Netflix reportedly will stop streaming uncensored versions of Indian movies globally. This decision holds immense significance, as Netflix emerged as possibly the last streaming service in India to show films before getting approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The news comes amidst growing censorship of political references in the films.
Will Netflix stop streaming uncut versions of Indian movies?
The Central Board of Film Certification is known for its strict rules, especially when it comes to scrubbing political content considered unfavorable to the current government.
For instance, the film Bheed, set during the pandemic time, featured voice-overs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, along with several political references. The CBFC insisted on heavy edits, and Netflix streamed this edited version globally instead of the unedited version of the film.
Netflix’s decision affects not just specific movies but all Indian films, marking a shift from its previous take on censorship. This aligns the streaming giant with other OTT platforms. All in all, it indirectly gives the CBFC control over what Indians watch online.
The Hindu’s report highlights films like Anubhav Sinha’s Bheed, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Leo, and Amit Rai’s OMG 2. All these films faced cuts in segments related to politics, communal themes, or adult content. While this follows a broader industry trend, Netflix’s move comes as a surprising yet expected revelation.
Despite questions about its changing censorship practices, Netflix has not provided specific details. However, it did provide a statement to the publication. It stated, “We have an incredibly broad range of Indian original films and TV shows, all of which speak to our long standing support for creative expression. This diversity not only reflects our members’ very different tastes, it also distinguishes our services from the competition.”
All in all, this decision sparks discussions about its impact on creative expression and the film industry’s ability to freely explore socio-political themes.
