Heeramandi to Baby Reindeer: Web series and films SLAMMED for being 'inaccurate'

​Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi' and Richard Gadd's 'Baby Reindeer' are currently the hot topic of discussion on social media. While one is a period drama, another is allegedly based on a real-life event. At a time when filmmakers are taking creative liberties in bringing their stories to life, real-life incidents can sometimes deviate from factual accuracy. Here's a look at several recent films and web series that have faced criticism for straying from the facts.

'Heeramandi', helmed by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has garnered acclaim for its stunning visuals and also faced criticism for its 'inaccurate' portrayal of historical events. While the internet has been picking apart the show and pointing out the 'errors' in the show, Sonakshi Sinha, in an interview with ETimes, shut down the haters saying, " When did we promise people a history lesson?" Addressing the chatter over the fictionalized nature of the show, she urged viewers to appreciate 'Heeramandi' "as a work of art". Comparing it to 'Bridgerton' she added, "In no way is Sanjay Sir trying to be realistic. He's selling you the idea of a dream and a vision."

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​Richard Gadd's breakout new series 'Baby Reindeer' has come under scrutiny following allegations of 'misrepresentation' by a woman identified as the inspiration behind the character of Martha Scott. Despite efforts to conceal her identity, the lady alleging to be the inspiration behind the series has accused Gadd of an 'inaccurate and damaging' portrayal. Fiona Harvey, who went public about being the real woman who inspired the series, claimed that Gadd showed her as an "obsessive stalker". Threatening potential legal action, Harvey told the Daily Mail, "I'm the victim. He’s written a bloody show about me."

​The film 'Adipurush', one of the most expensive films ever made in India, became the subject of controversy for its interpretation of the Hindu epic Ramayana. From calling out the inaccuracies in costume design to forcing the makers to rewrite dialogues, and even pulling up the Censor Board for certifying the film for release, the perceived disrespect towards the revered Hindu text ignited a huge debate among audiences and eventually led to the film becoming a box office failure. Director Om Raut, however, stood firm on his artistic interpretation, saying, "Ramayana is so large that it is impossible for anybody to understand. If they say that you understand Ramayana, they are fools, or they are lying."

​Ridley Scott's biopic 'Napoleon' has stirred controversy among historians for its portrayal of the iconic French emperor. While praised for its artistic brilliance, the film has been sharply criticized for significant historical inaccuracies. The film depicts several major European battles, in which historians claim, the director took creative liberties and twisted facts with fiction. Scott remained unapologetic and told critics to, "Get a life," as reported by The New Yorker.

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The critically acclaimed series 'The Crown' came to an end this year on a rather unflattering note with the final season drawing in criticism for its 'inaccurate' and highly fictionalised events. Royal experts were very vocal about the show's portrayal of the events in the late Princess Diana's life before her tragic accident. Others even slammed the creators for their take on Charles and Camila's wedding and even the alleged 'plotting' of Kate Middleton's romance with Prince William.