From ‘Julie’ to ‘Fire’, a list of 5 films where Bollywood went truly bold
Bollywood has increasingly tackled controversial and socially relevant issues, pushing boundaries and addressing topics once considered taboo. Films have explored themes such as same-sex relationships, the plight of widows, consent, female sexuality, caste discrimination, flawed justice systems, LGBTQ+ rights, domestic violence, and gender imbalance. These narratives not only challenge societal norms but also spark critical conversations, marking significant milestones in Indian cinema’s evolution toward bold and meaningful storytelling.
Julie
The classic film starring Lakshmi was among the first to address the issue of unwed motherhood. Directed by K.S. Sethumadhavan, it was also made in Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada, earning over ₹1 crore at the box office—a significant achievement for its time.
Ram Teri Ganga Maili
Raj Kapoor's final directorial project is still notable for the controversy surrounding lead actress Mandakini's skin show, which served as a reflection of the film's political and social themes. It became the highest-grossing film of the year, earning ₹9 crore at the box office.
Adventures of Tarzan
The timeless tale of the feral child Tarzan was adapted into Hindi by director Babbar Subhash, featuring Hemant Birje and Kimi Katkar in the lead roles. The film achieved approximately ₹2 crore in box office earnings.
Jism
John Abraham made his acting debut in the thriller directed by Amit Saxena, which starred Bipasha Basu as the female lead. Produced by actor Pooja Bhatt, the film earned ₹4 crore at the box office.
Murder
The thriller directed by Anurag Basu may have launched a successful franchise, but it initially lacked strong promotional appeal. Nevertheless, it marked a significant breakthrough for lead actors Mallika Sherawat and Emraan Hashmi. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film's box office earnings exceeded ₹4 crore.
