TVF has long been seen as one of the most trusted names in India’s digital storytelling space. Shows like Pitchers, Kota Factory, and Aspirants won hearts because they felt real, fresh, and most importantly, original. That’s why it feels especially disappointing to see them caught in a plagiarism controversy around the upcoming web series Gram Chikitsalaya.
Writer-director Anindya Bikas Datta claims that the story was lifted from his registered screenplay Quack Shankar. He even went to court, alleging that his script had been shared with an actor involved in the new series. While the court didn’t stop the show’s release due to late action, the larger issue remains. Why is this happening more and more in OTT?
This isn’t the first time. In 2022, the makers of Avrodh faced allegations of copying from a book without permission. Similarly, Scam 1992 was accused of lifting content from another writer’s draft before it was cleared as an authorised adaptation. Even Netflix’s Betaal ran into claims of copying elements from a Marathi zombie story.
It’s a worrying trend. When platforms like TVF, which built their name on originality and audience trust, are linked to such disputes, it doesn’t just hurt one creator. It sets a bad precedent. It discourages young writers and casts a shadow over the creative industry. If OTT is the future, it needs to protect the voices that fuel it.
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