When Casting In Movies Spark Controversy: ‘From Gangubai To Chakda Xpress’, movies with controversial Casting
A film can have a great script, a director’s vision, and exceptional set design but still fall flat if the wrong people are involved. Casting decisions are the easiest and readiest example of failure for viewing audiences. Failure is inevitable if the actors chosen are unable to deliver what the role requires. Casting in a movie can prove disastrous if the decisions made for the selection process are not mindful.
From bad accents to listless performances, how an actor can fumble a role are varied – and sometimes it isn’t their fault. Considering how it’s difficult to please a woke generation, netizens jump on the activism blitz at the first chance they get to boycott a film if the casting is a problem.
We have seen casting catastrophe in recent times, which became a topic of heated discussions and debates on social media. Here are some great movies or those with the potential for greatness, that were thrown off track for problematic casting decisions.
1. When fans wondered why Tabu or Madhuri weren’t cast for Gangubai, and the role went straight to Alia Bhatt
Ever since the first look of Gangubai was released, people on the internet started wondering why someone like Tabu or Vidya Balan wasn’t cast for the role. Reacting to Alia as Gabgubai.
In one of the interviews, Alia Bhatt clarified that the movie showcases Gangubai’s journey from the 20s to 30s. However, it still came across as an unconvincing answer for people looking forward to this SLB movie.
2. When Jhulan Goswami fans called out Anushka Sharma for fake accent and complexion in ‘Chakda Express.’
Casting actors for the biopic is not one of Bollywood’s strongest suits. When Anushka Sharma and her production house unveiled the trailer of ‘Chakda Express,’ many jumped and started trolling Anushka for her fake Bengali accent.
People pointed out how it was inappropriate to wear makeup to get the same skin color as Jhulan, as the team could have easily cast an actor like Konkona to resemble the cricket hero.
3. “If a trans person is cast in the mainstream, others will be inspired to be themselves”- A healthy debate started after the release of Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui
Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui was an important film, but it did trigger a healthy debate around the casting of transgender actors for trans roles. Vaani Kapoor as a trans girl in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui was a good step by Abhishek Kapoor to tell an important story, but somehow, people wondered why a trans artist couldn’t get a chance.
4. When Neena Gupta Soni Razdan raised their voice on casting younger actresses like Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar in Saand Ki Aankh as Prakashi Tomar and Chandra Tomar
Neena Gupta revealed that the director wanted to cast her in the movie, but the financers wanted young actors to play the role of Chando and Prakashi Tomar. Earlier, she also sparked a debate on ageism and addressed the issue of casting older women.
5. When Sara Ali Khan-Akshay Kumar’s romantic angle in ‘Atrangi Re’ was slammed.
The film’s release definitely clarified all doubts people had in their minds, but still, fans have time and again pointed out how male actors have a longer shelf life than female actors. In contrast, actors in their 50s are still seen as main leads and ‘heroes,’ female actresses that age get ‘Bua-Chachi-Mummy’ roles.
6. After years of debate, Priyanka Chopra finally confessed ‘someone from the northeast should have played the role of Mary Kom
It took many years for Priyanka to finally admit. She said, ‘She looked nothing like Mary Kom.’ In 2014, At the time of its release, Mary Kom was at the center of controversy for its casting choice. Cinema fans pointed out that casting Priyank Chopra instead of an actor from the northeast was ‘racist.’
