The year 2025 proved to be exceptionally turbulent for the Hindi film industry, marked by a series of shocking incidents, high-profile exits, and public controversies that kept Bollywood in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. From a violent attack on a superstar to debates on work culture and international casting rows, the industry faced multifaceted challenges.
Violent Intrusion and Safety Concerns
The year began on a terrifying note when actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Bandra residence on January 16. An individual named Shehzad, allegedly attempting a robbery, gained access to the actor's home. The assailant inflicted significant harm, with Saif sustaining a severe injury to his thoracic region. He was promptly rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he remained under care for five days before being discharged on January 21. While the injuries were not fatal, the event triggered a widespread debate about the safety and privacy of celebrities in India.
The incident was further exacerbated by insensitive reactions on social media and intrusive coverage by paparazzi, highlighting the often-toxic relationship between public figures and the media ecosystem.
Work Culture Debates and High-Profile Exits
Conversations around pay parity and workplace ethics took a new direction with the emerging debate on an eight-hour workday. This issue was thrust into the spotlight following reports that Deepika Padukone had exited major projects like 'Spirit' and the sequel to 'Kalki 2898 AD'. Industry insiders suggested her decisions were influenced by a desire for limited working hours and creative differences, factors reportedly amplified after her entry into motherhood.
Deepika later addressed the situation publicly, emphasizing the necessity for fair and supportive work environments, especially for women. Her stance polarized the industry, with producers and actors voicing sharply divided opinions on the feasibility and impact of such demands in film production.
Franchise Friction and Legal Battles
Long-standing film franchises were not immune to the year's chaos. The production of the much-anticipated 'Hera Pheri 3' hit a major roadblock when veteran actor Paresh Rawal announced his exit after shooting had commenced. The situation turned litigious when Akshay Kumar's production house reportedly served Rawal a legal notice. Although the actor eventually returned to the project, the episode revealed deep-seated issues regarding fees and creative control within beloved franchises. The film's shooting schedule, under director Priyadarshan, remains uncertain.
In another significant clash, the romantic comedy 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' found itself in a legal dispute with cinema chains. The makers opted for a direct OTT release on Amazon Prime Video on May 16, abandoning its scheduled theatrical release on May 9. They cited "heightened security drills across the nation" as the reason. This move led PVR Inox to approach the Bombay High Court, alleging a breach of an exclusivity agreement, underscoring the growing tension between traditional theaters and streaming platforms.
Cross-Border Casting and Inheritance Drama
A major controversy erupted when Diljit Dosanjh cast Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his film 'Sardaar Ji 3'. The decision sparked immense backlash on social media and from organizations within the Indian entertainment community, particularly in the sensitive aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Facing pressure from bodies like the FWICE, the production company eventually declared that the movie would not be released in India. Diljit continued to promote the project internationally, keeping the controversy alive.
Adding a layer of real-life drama, the sudden death of businessman Sunjay Kapur on June 12, 2025, unveiled a complex inheritance dispute. Kapur, former husband of actress Karisma Kapoor and father to her two children, had later married Priya Sachdev. His passing left behind a complicated legal tangle concerning his estate, promising a prolonged settlement process and adding another scandalous chapter to Bollywood's ancillary narratives.
In summary, 2025 was a year where Bollywood grappled with fundamental issues of safety, workplace reform, contractual integrity, and geopolitical sensitivities, proving that the drama off-screen often rivaled that on-screen.
