Introduction: When a Costume Became the Center of a Firestorm
In early 2023, the blockbuster Pathaan took India by storm—but one song caused as much controversy as the film’s action did excitement. Besharam Rang, picturised on Deepika Padukone alongside Shah Rukh Khan, featured her in a bold saffron bikini. What followed was intense backlash, with critics calling the outfit disrespectful and inflammatory in origin ([turn0search6]–[turn0search10]).
The controversy quickly escalated. Some political leaders threatened to block the film’s release in their states. Still, despite the uproar, Pathaan went on to become one of Bollywood’s highest‑grossing films of the year.
The Uproar: Why the Shock?
Deepika wore a bright saffron-colored monokini—a shade deeply associated with Hindu symbolism. Critics, especially certain political figures, claimed the combination of the costume and song lyrics was disrespectful to religious sentiment and cultural identity ([turn0search6]–[turn0search10]). The state Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh demanded cuts or banning, calling the visuals “offensive” to sensibilities tied to Hindu tradition ([turn0search1]).
Meanwhile, supporters argued that art and cinema should remain free of political policing. They noted Besharam Rang was choreographed for mass appeal and cinematic flair—not a calculated insult.
Public Reaction: PR Overload Meets Box Office Glory
Social media exploded with memes, heated debates, and divided reactions. Despite threats from some regional governments, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused to mandate removals, and Pathaan moved forward unscathed. Instead of harming its run, the controversy arguably fueled its success—audiences flocked to theatres, and the film went on to earn over ₹1,000 crore at the box office ([turn0search10])
In short: controversy did not hurt but helped amplify attention.
Gender, Image and Cinematic Representation
For many feminism advocates, criticism of Deepika’s costume unlocked a larger debate. Why was wardrobe choice singled out as immoral? Why did the reaction come only because Deepika, not a male actor, was wearing it?
Bollywood has long battled double standards: revealing costumes for women often invite scrutiny, while male performers are rarely judged for similar aesthetic choices. Besharam Rang revived the conversation about image policing and misogyny in the film world.
CCR: What’s the Bigger Context
Critics argued that Bollywood in 2023 was grappling with reinforced hypermasculinity and a regression in narrative freedom. Films like Animal were equally criticized for promoting toxic behavior and macho violence ([turn0news20]).
In contrast, Pathaan remained stylistically entertaining, but the intense reaction to Deepika overshadowed its storyline. The incident highlights how costume politics can derail nuanced cinematic communication.
Yet, supporters say cinema thrives on bold expression—and controversy often signals strong public engagement, regardless of which side of the debate you fall on.
Aftermath: Industry and Public Notes
Despite the protests, Pathaan retained its full song. Filmmakers, actors, and fans celebrated its success. Deepika Padukone continued to hold her head high without apology—a stance applauded by many for standing firm amid moral panic.
Political pressure failed to produce any lasting censorship. Instead, the song remains an iconic part of the film’s legacy. In a year packed with political polarization, gender wars, and cultural debates, Besharam Rang remained in the headlines long after its release ([turn0search8]).
Broader Trends: Bollywood and Alignment with Politics
What started as a wardrobe critique soon tied into broader concerns about Bollywood’s political alignment. Some films produced in 2023 were openly seen as promoting nationalist ideologies or religious majoritarian narratives, often with tacit support from political outfits ([turn0news17], [turn0news15]).
The Pathaan controversy, though not directly political, reflects an environment where creative art is increasingly scrutinized through ideological lenses. Discussions about censorship, morality, film certification, and cultural sensitivities are becoming more frequent across India’s media landscape.
Social Media and Meme Culture
For many, the saffron bikini even spawned memes, TikTok remixes of the song, and viral commentary channels debating “freedom of expression”. Deepika’s wardrobe became a symbol of public debate about permissible art in a polarized nation.
Memes pointing at “strong women facing moral outrage” became as popular as fan edits celebrating her performance. In effect, the digital backlash boosted the song’s visibility more than any paid promotion could.
Takeaway: When Fashion Meets Free Speech
The Besharam Rang saga underscores how cinema can spark multi-dimensional conflict: art vs tradition, expression vs censorship, and gender norms vs agency. A simple costume became the axis of complex public sentiment.
For Deepika, it wasn’t just a fashion choice—it became a loud statement about creative freedom. Regardless of political pressure, the film triumphed in box office terms. For Bollywood, it proved once again that controversy sells—especially when it collides with intensely symbolic references.
Whether you see it as a bold artistic statement or an unnecessary controversy, Besharam Rang changed the game in Bollywood discourse in 2023.