How a Bollywood blockbuster navigated religious controversy and plagiarism claims
In short: Released on Gandhi Jayanti in 2015, Singh Is Bliing became one of the year's highest-grossing films despite facing intense backlash. From allegations of copying South Korean cinema to sparking protests from Sikh clergy over religious symbols, its journey highlights the complex intersection of pop culture and faith.
Grazing Goat Pictures released Singh Is Bliing as a loose follow-up to the 2008 movie Singh Is Kinng, even though Akshay Kumar later stated it lacked official sequel status. The production faced significant hurdles before release; for instance, actress Kriti Sanon opted out of the female lead after training, leading to Amy Jackson taking the role. Additionally, while Vivek Oberoi was initially reported for a negative role, Kay Kay Menon ultimately portrayed the antagonist, Mark.
The film sparked immediate controversy regarding its depiction of Sikhism. Giani Gurbachan Singh, a high-ranking member of the Sikh clergy, objected to posters featuring semi-clad women with inscribed Kada and scenes equating the Holy Golden Temple with alcohol and meat. Other organizations protested the use of the Kara as a weapon and a scene where the protagonist's turban was set on fire. To address these concerns, Akshay Kumar screened the movie for community leaders, and the Central Board of Film Certification ultimately deleted several contested scenes.
The production encountered claims of copying My Wife is a Gangster 3, a 2006 South Korean motion picture, in addition to issues regarding religious tension. Despite mixed critical reviews—with some critics labeling it as 'random' or lacking coherence—it was a massive commercial success. With a ₹70 crores cost, the movie earned upwards of ₹135 crores globally, marking Kumar's most successful opening ever. The production spanned multiple locations, including Patiala, Goa, and the Hunedoara Castle in Romania for the climax.
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