MUST READ: List Of Bollywood Films That Got Into LEGAL TROUBLE For Hurting RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS

People often claim that art imitates life, but what about art imitating life? There have been numerous occasions throughout the annals of cinema where a film has been cited as being derivative. These accusations have even occasionally resulted in lawsuits being brought in court. Of course, it's very challenging to demonstrate that a movie's premise was directly lifted from someone else's ideas.

In other instances, individuals file lawsuits against a movie's producers because they believe their likeness was inaccurately depicted in the movie. This frequently occurs in biographical films, which use actors to portray real individuals. But because so many of these movies are "inspired" by actual events rather than "based" on them, it can be difficult to demonstrate that a filmmaker had malicious intent when they portrayed a particular person negatively in a film.

Controversies and legal hiccups are a constant for Bollywood and all producers. A number of new legal issues have arisen for different film and web series producers even as theatres open, the blockbusters prepare for release, and OTT expands its base.

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Check Out The List Of Films That Faced Legal Issues

1. Ram Leela

Although Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh's hot chemistry scorched Indian movie theatres, it didn't entirely protect the film from controversy. The film's director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was the target of a lawsuit brought by not one, but six petitioners. Evidently, the'religious' Hindus were offended by the original title Ram Leela. Just 48 hours after the movie's premiere, the title was altered.

2. Padmaavat (2018)

This movie faced controversy and legal trouble for allegedly distorting historical facts and hurting the sentiments of a certain community. Several states in India banned the movie, and the producers had to approach the Supreme Court for relief.

3. Udta Punjab (2016)

This movie faced legal trouble for allegedly portraying Punjab in a negative light and glorifying drug use. The Central Board of Film Certification demanded several cuts to the movie, which the producers challenged in court. The Bombay High Court eventually cleared the movie for release with just one cut.

4. PK (2014)

This movie faced legal trouble for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. Several cases were filed against the makers of the movie for allegedly mocking Hindu gods and rituals. The matter eventually went to court, but the movie was cleared for release after the makers agreed to make some changes.

5. Rockstar (2011)

This movie faced legal trouble for allegedly defaming the character of a living person. The movie allegedly portrayed the late Narender Kumar Modi, a musician who had committed suicide, in a negative light. His family filed a case against the makers of the movie, which was eventually settled out of court.

6. Phillauri

The second film from the Anushka Sharma-owned production company Clean Slate Pictures, "Phillauri," ran into legal issues after a Bhojpuri film producer filed a copyright infringement complaint in the Bombay High Court. The creators of "Phillauri" received a legal notification from the producer, who is the owner of the production banner Gayatri Cine Production. Then again, "Phillauri" became popular, and the Bhojpuri production company was punished with a fine of Rs. 5 lakh for wasting the court's valuable time.

7. The Dirty Picture

The Dirty Picture, which was released in 2011, awarded Bollywood one of its greatest actresses ever, Vidya Balan. She later received her first-ever national award as a result of it. The life of Silk Smitha, one of the most contentious South Indian actresses, served as the inspiration for the film. Producer Ekta Kapoor received a legal notice from Smitha's brother V Naga Vara Prasad for creating the movie without getting approval from Smitha's family. He thought the way her character was presented was quite vulgar. The Andhra high court, however, dismissed Prasad's petition.

8. Neerja

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Neerja, one of Sonam Kapoor's best works and the recipient of several awards, also received a legal notice. The movie was one of the most lucrative Bollywood releases that year, grossing more than Rs100 crore. The family of Neerja Bhanot, whose courage was depicted in the 2016 movie, served the producers with a court notice for failing to distribute the film's net revenues.

9. Gangubai Kathiawadi

Controversies and Sanjay Leela Bhansali often go hand in hand. Even Gangubai Kathiawadi had legal problems, not just Padmaavat. A few requests were submitted to delay the movie's release. The requests, however, were rejected, and the movie enjoyed a smooth release.

10. Prithviraj

After the movie's name was changed from its initial title, "Prithviraj," the producers became involved in a dispute that led to legal action. A petitioner questioned the ruler's race and claimed the movie inaccurately portrayed it. In response, the film's creators informed the Delhi High Court that their portrayal of Prithviraj was caste-neutral. Akshay Kumar starred in the movie.