Shekhar Kapur criticizes Amazon for editing Bandit Queen

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has publicly criticized Amazon Prime Video for editing his 1994 film Bandit Queen without his permission. He claims the film has been altered to the point of being unrecognizable, yet it still credits him as the director. This issue has sparked a wider debate in the film industry about the rights of filmmakers. Kapur expressed his frustration on social media, questioning whether OTT platforms would make similar cuts to films made by Western directors. He argued that no one would dare edit a Christopher Nolan film without his consent. His comments have garnered support from other filmmakers, including Kunal Kohli and Hansal Mehta. Bandit Queen, which tells the story of Phoolan Devi, has a controversial history. The film faced legal challenges and censorship in India due to its graphic portrayal of violence and social issues. Phoolan Devi herself opposed the film, claiming it misrepresented her life. Despite these challenges, the film received critical acclaim and won awards, including the National Film Award in 1995. Kapur's remarks draw attention to concerns over the treatment of filmmakers on digital platforms. This incident highlights ongoing discussions about the respect and creative freedom afforded to Indian filmmakers compared to their Western peers. No further comment has been made by Amazon Prime Video or Kapur regarding potential actions concerning the film’s edits.