Prime Video has responded to the allegations made by veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur regarding the OTT platform’s release of a heavily edited version of Bandit Queen. The streaming giant has denied the director’s claims of unauthorised edits to the film.
Instead, the OTT platform disclosed that the current version of the movie was provided by NH Studioz, the film’s distributor.
Shekhar Kapur’s recent comments about Netflix’s global sensation Adolescence (starring Stephen Graham) and the way OTT platforms treat Indian filmmakers have been key contributors to this ongoing controversy. The veteran filmmaker recently praised Adolescence while also highlighting the heavy censorship faced by Indian films and projects.
Kapur used Bandit Queen as an example and questioned, “I wonder @IAmSudhirMishra if OTT platforms would let me make #BanditQueen the way I made it years ago.”
Check out his tweet right here!
I wonder @IAmSudhirMishra if OTT platforms would let me make #BanditQueen the way I made it years ago. The Bandit Queen on #AmazonPrime is unrecognisable from my film. Someone has cut it beyond recognition. And yet it carries my name as Director. And no one asked me! Are we… https://t.co/LoYtkddlvp
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) March 18, 2025
Kapur is not the only Indian filmmaker to criticise Indian OTT platforms for their approach. Other directors, such as Sudhir Mishra and Anurag Kashyap, share a similar sentiment.
Expanding on his disapproval, Kapur outlined the intricate work involved in creating and finalising a film. He then questioned the reasons behind the changes, expressing concern over how these alterations could impact the actors’ performances and the musical score, specifically highlighting Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s work.
Following Prime Video’s denial of Kapur’s allegations, attention now shifts to NH Studioz, the film’s distributor, for their response. Stay tuned for more updates.