Shekhar Kapur fights OTT censorship of 'Bandit Queen'

Shekhar Kapur, the director of the film "Bandit Queen," has criticized an OTT platform for streaming an edited version of his movie without his consent. His comments have raised important questions about creative control in the digital age. Other filmmakers, including Hansal Mehta and Tigmanshu Dhulia, have supported him, saying that it is unethical for platforms to change a film after its release. Kapur's criticism focuses on whether filmmakers in India, like him, face more censorship than their Hollywood counterparts. He wondered if iconic directors like Christopher Nolan would experience similar treatment. "Bandit Queen," a film released in 1994 about Phoolan Devi, features strong themes and was aimed at adults. Kapur expressed frustration that the edits were made without his approval. In response to Kapur, Mehta pointed out that filmmakers often feel powerless. He highlighted the lack of support for artists and suggested that the current situation favors foreign entities over local creators. Dhulia also noted the changes made may have been necessary for the film to get a specific certification. Amazon Prime, the streaming platform in question, stated that it did not make any edits and that the version available is what was provided by the distributor. This issue isn't new; filmmakers have long faced interference both in India and around the world. There are many examples of films undergoing significant changes without the directors' consent. Some industry veterans like Mukesh Bhatt and Pahlaj Nihalani have weighed in, noting that the final say often lies with producers and that changes depend on contractual agreements. They stressed that once a producer sells the rights to a platform, the platform can modify the film as needed. Kapur's concerns highlight a larger problem regarding the rights and creative control of directors. Many filmmakers are calling for better protection for their work, including clearer guidelines that would prevent unauthorized edits after a film's release. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it's important to find a balance between creative integrity and distribution needs.