The Hindu Huddle 2025: Nandita Das, Shahana Goswami and Jeo Baby discuss censorship and OTT platforms

While the emergence of OTT platforms was initially considered a boon for independent movies and regional cinema, the speakers pointed out that the difference between box office and streaming platforms has been shrinking over the years

Films that are being made in India now face three kinds of censorship, said Nandita Das, filmmaker and actor, speaking at The Huddle by The Hindu.

“One is [from] the official body; then many of us have to self-censor. Then there are some self-proclaimed custodians of culture,” she said, adding that free speech is fundamental for any form or art, literature or expression to thrive.

Noting that the variety of films that are being made today are not reflective of the variety of stories that exist in the society, Ms. Das said that filmmakers creating redlines for themselves pose the greatest threat as they kill their voice almost voluntarily. Actor Shahana Goswamy added noting that censorship is imposed by OTT platforms as well as they fear backlash.

While the emergence of OTT platforms was initially considered a boon for independent movies and regional cinema, the speakers pointed out that the difference between box office and streaming platforms has been shrinking over the years.

Malayalam cinema was one among the Indian film industries which received unprecedented pan-Indian attention since the pandemic period, thanks to OTTs. However, Jeo Baby, filmmaker, pointed out that last year only 4-5 Malayalam films, among the 80-odd total movies produced by the industry, made it to OTT.

“The industry is at a loss, and we are facing a crisis to sell our own movies,” said Mr. Baby.

Ms. Das seconded it, noting that for every independent film which made it to OTT, 100 others didn’t. “Theatre and OTT are not very different. The parameters remain the same. The range of movies is decreasing because of market forces,” she said.