Institute of Marketing Communications India®

OTT needs more of content censorship to avoid criticism and controversies.

OTT today are definitely a career boost in the field of new and digital media. Web series have a wide range and is easily accessible to all. In order to display originality and attract viewer’s violence, strong language and Nudity is the new normal. Maker’s today are neglecting media ethics to make their show trending all over. People also feel that rather than censoring the content, it is more important to pay attention to the ratings that are provided. Moreover it is the responsibility of the audience to perceive the content in a respected manner.

 

Recently, Amazon Prime Video's new web series Tandav has trapped under fire for allegedly depicting Hindu gods in a negative light. An FIR has been lodged against series director Ali Abbas Zafar and writer Gaurav Solanki at Lucknow's Hazratganj police station late on Sunday night.

Earlier, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had summoned Amazon Prime Video officials in India in connection with the controversy around the web series. Two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders alleged that the Saif Ali Khan-starrer web series hurts Hindu religious sentiments.

The FIR says that there are angry outbursts on social media against the content of the web series which was released on January 16 that people are posting its clippings and protesting. "After watching the series, it was found that in the 17th minute of Episode 1, characters playing Hindu gods and goddesses have been shown in an uncharitable way and using undignified language, which can trigger religious sentiments," the complainant said.

I&B Ministry sources have said that the ministry took serious notice of complaints against Tandav. The web series has faced charges of triggering religious passions and some police complaints have also been filed. According to the complaints, Hindu deities have been defamed in it. According to the sources, a proper response to all the allegations has been sought from Amazon Prime, failing which action would be taken against it.

It can definitely not be denied that streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime provide wide reach and help the Indian filmmakers in displaying their real creativity. But the concerns regarding content showing nudity, or engaging in violence stand valid too. Thus self-censorship appears as a good solution


19-01-2021


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