Do you remember those 1970s films? If they had to show two people kissing then directors just showed two flowers coming close. Similarly, there would be many things that would imply intimate acts without moving the camera in the bedroom.
Let’s talk about gore. When Gabbar cuts the hands of Thakur then there are no amputated limbs and not even a drop of blood. It was the brilliance of Salim-Javed that they showed everything without showing anything.
The bottom line is, that creative directors have always been showing what they want to show. Today, they directly show it, in those days they just used to imply.
But not anymore. There are new laws in the making.
The central government is preparing to introduce new guidelines for content on OTT platforms that will reduce profanity and explicit scenes. According to a report, these revised rules will require streaming services to blur explicit visuals and encourage alternative portrayals of intimate scenes and moments involving characters changing clothes.
This will probably reduce obscene language and imagery on digital platforms, even when these elements are considered essential to a story.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is in the final stages of developing these regulations to ensure that OTT content aligns with Indian laws and cultural values.
The new rules are not expected to enforce outright bans on certain types of content. Instead, they will guide production practices, requiring filmmakers to modify the use of profane language and present intimate scenes more discreetly.
Not only that, OTT platforms will be monitored more closely to ensure that these rules are followed. Producers will need to submit affidavits confirming that they will adhere to the new rules.
Let’s see if it brings any changes.