- Wednesday, March 19, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Renowned Indian filmmakers Shekhar Kapur and Sudhir Mishra recently praised Netflix’s British crime drama miniseries Adolescence while expressing their frustration over the restrictions placed on Indian filmmakers by streaming platforms. Kapur, known for his bold storytelling, criticized OTT platforms for altering his acclaimed film Bandit Queen beyond recognition without his consent, sparking a larger debate on creative freedom.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kapur lauded Adolescence for redefining modern storytelling. “I’m not the first one to say this, but Adolescence from Netflix redefines what a truly great series can achieve. It defies the regular three-act structure of cause and effect, plunges you deeply into the minds of its characters, and allows you to reflect upon yourself. It’s next-level storytelling. Watch it,” he wrote.
I’m not the first one to say this but #Adolescence from #Netflix redefines what truly great series can achieve. Its defies the regular 3 act structure of cause and effect and plunges you deeply into the minds of the characters and allows you to reflect upon yourself ..
It’s…
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) March 18, 2025
Sudhir Mishra echoed Kapur’s sentiments in a quote tweet, stating that such ambitious narratives would never be permitted in India. He argued that the only way Indian filmmakers could experiment with storytelling at this level was through independent cinema. “Something of our own which wanders, stops, digs, and goes where the smell takes us,” he wrote, highlighting the lack of artistic freedom in mainstream Indian content.
Kapur took the discussion further by questioning whether today’s OTT platforms would allow him to make Bandit Queen under the same creative conditions he had in 1994. He revealed that Amazon Prime Video had significantly altered Bandit Queen’s OTT version without his approval, reducing its impact. “I wonder, Sudhir Mishra, if OTT platforms would let me make Bandit Queen the way I made it years ago. Bandit Queen on Amazon Prime is unrecognizable from my film. Someone has cut it beyond recognition. And yet it carries my name as director. And no one asked me!” he wrote.
I wonder @IAmSudhirMishra if OTT platforms would let me make #BanditQueen the way I made it years ago. The Bandit Queen on #AmazonPrime is unrecognisable from my film. Someone has cut it beyond recognition. And yet it carries my name as Director. And no one asked me! Are we… https://t.co/LoYtkddlvp
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) March 18, 2025
Condemning the treatment of Indian filmmakers by major streaming platforms, Kapur questioned whether such interference would be imposed on renowned Western directors. “Are we lesser beings than Western directors? Would they have the guts to cut a Chris Nolan film without his permission?” he asked, calling out the double standards in the industry.
This debate highlights a growing concern among Indian filmmakers regarding creative control on streaming platforms. While OTT platforms have opened new doors for diverse storytelling, concerns about censorship, interference, and lack of autonomy remain.
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As discussions around artistic freedom intensify, Adolescence continues to receive critical acclaim for its bold storytelling. Meanwhile, Kapur and Mishra’s remarks have sparked a larger conversation about the future of Indian filmmakers in the digital age and their ability to push creative boundaries without external interference.
