2025 wasn’t just a big year for box office records. It was also a year when Bollywood found itself repeatedly in the middle of legal trouble, public backlash, uncomfortable questions and serious debates.
These weren’t fleeting social media spats. They were incidents that made headlines, reached courtrooms and forced the industry to react. Here’s a look at the actual controversies that shaped Bollywood in 2025.
Cross-Border Casting Sparks Political Pushback
After the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, the issue of Pakistani actors working in Indian projects came back into sharp focus. Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3, which featured Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, faced strong backlash, with calls for a boycott and demands that it not be released in India. The film eventually skipped an Indian theatrical release and opened only overseas. Around the same time, the Hindi film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, also saw its India release put on hold amid renewed opposition.
Deepika Padukone’s Work Hours Stand Divides Industry
When Deepika Padukone reportedly asked for fixed working hours on film sets after embracing motherhood, it triggered a wider conversation about work culture in Bollywood. Her exit from sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, tentatively called Kalki 2, over scheduling issues led to strong reactions from both supporters and critics. While many backed her demand for healthier work conditions, others questioned whether such changes were practical for big-budget productions.
Saif Ali Khan Attack Raises Celebrity Safety Concerns
One of the most shocking incidents of the year involved Saif Ali Khan, who was stabbed in the back during an alleged robbery attempt at his Bandra residence. The incident dominated news cycles and raised serious questions about security for high-profile individuals in Mumbai. It also prompted discussions about whether celebrity safety is being taken seriously enough in the city.
Hera Pheri 3 Hits Roadblock Over Paresh Rawal Exit
Fans of Priyadarshan’s Hera Pheri franchise were stunned when Paresh Rawal briefly walked away from Hera Pheri 3 over creative disagreements. The situation escalated into legal notices and public statements from both him and Akshay Kumar before things were eventually resolved. The actor is now back in the cast alongside Akshay and Suniel Shetty.
Shah Rukh Khan, Aryan Khan Dragged Into Legal Row
Former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede filed the case claiming that The Ba***ds of Bollywood showed a character that closely resembled him in a negative and mocking way. He said the portrayal could damage his reputation and unfairly reflect on law enforcement. Wankhede argued that the series crossed the line between fiction and defamation, which is why he approached the court seeking action against the makers.
Ranveer Singh’s Kantara Act Sparks Public Anger
What was meant to be a light moment turned serious when Ranveer Singh mimicked a scene from Kantara at a public event. The clip spread quickly online, drawing criticism from those who felt it disrespected cultural and religious sentiment. The backlash escalated to the point where a formal complaint was filed. Ranveer later apologised, saying there was no intention to offend, but the episode highlighted how quickly public performances can spiral into controversy.
Janhvi Kapoor Thumbnail Controversy Goes Viral
A YouTube video thumbnail featuring Janhvi Kapoor sparked backlash after it compared her appearance in a discussion on plastic surgery. Content-creator Dhruv Rathee later clarified that the video focused on societal beauty standards, not personal attacks. Still, the incident reopened arguments around consent, online targeting and how women’s bodies are discussed publicly.