Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur recently criticised OTT platforms for editing his 1994 film Bandit Queen without his consent. His remarks sparked a larger debate on creative control and censorship in the digital streaming era. However, Amazon Prime Video has now responded, clarifying that they did not make any changes to the film.
A Prime Video spokesperson told a media outlet, “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.”
Kapur took to social media to express his frustration, questioning whether OTT platforms have the right to alter a filmmaker’s work without approval. His concerns were echoed by director Hansal Mehta, who criticized the industry for its lack of support for artists. Actor-director Tigmanshu Dhulia also weighed in, pointing out that the version available on Prime Video seems to have been edited to meet UAE certification requirements.
While Amazon Prime asserts that the film was streamed as provided by the distributor, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about filmmakers’ rights in the digital space. With streaming platforms becoming dominant, questions around creative integrity and intellectual property continue to surface.
But even if these cuts were made by the studio then how ethically correct is that?
Yes, they do own the films and legally they do have the right to chop down the film. But if everything boils down to that then why even bother hiring a filmmaker as bold as Shekhar Kapoor, better hire so many aspiring directors who would treat filmmaking as a mere job.
This censorship is sick and there must be strict protests against it. Because that is important for the spirit of cinema.