Filmmakers peeved by censored version of theatrical movies on streaming platforms
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: Films released in theatres that then make their way to streaming services are sometimes seeing cuts and modifications, much to the chagrin of the makers who considered these as democratic media allowing free expression.
Director Shekhar Kapur recently posted on X that a censored version of his 1994 film Bandit Queen is playing on Prime Video that neither he nor the producers were aware of. However, industry experts point out that many of these movies are sold to OTT platforms by third-party distributors who have anyway edited the film after acquiring their rights from producers.
Meanwhile, streaming services that often incorporate clauses allowing edits when acquiring content increasingly want to play safe since web shows and movies started inviting government scrutiny, leading to the tightening of restrictions for OTT. “Prime Video has not made any edits to the version of the film Bandit Queen currently streaming on the service.
The version available on Prime Video is the version provided by the film’s distributor, NH Studioz," a Prime Video spokesperson said in response to Mint’s queries. Also read | Who moved my show? Pricing, navigation key challenges for users as OTTs merge The person added that the company wants to make Prime Video a place where customers can find and discover high-quality and compelling content while offering creators an empowering environment to tell their stories.
“We are and continue to remain customer-centric, with a responsibility towards customer preferences and respect for various legal, regulatory and cultural sensitivities," the person said. Ajayvir Singh, content head, Chaupal, a platform specializing in Punjabi, Haryanvi and Bhojpuri
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