Bandit Queen, directed by Shekhar Kapur, is one of the most iconic Indian films, recognized globally for its raw and unfiltered storytelling.
Over the years, the film has garnered a cult following, and rightfully so, for its gritty portrayal of Phoolan Devi.
Also Read – Empuraan Hindi OTT Release: A Huge Blunder?
Due to its sensitive subject matter, Shekhar Kapur had to battle the Censor Board, the High Court, and even the Supreme Court to secure the film’s release.
However, to the director’s disappointment, the film was recently released on Amazon Prime Video with so many cuts and edits that even he found it unrecognizable.
Also Read – OTT Releases Streaming This Weekend – Full List
Expressing his frustration, Kapur took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his anguish.
He spoke about the harsh conditions under which the film was shot, the sleepless nights he and his editor endured during post-production, and the long fight to get it released.
Also Read – L2: Empuraan on OTT is a Joke?
Yet, without consulting the filmmakers, the platform butchered the film, stripping it of its essence.
Filmmakers Kunal Kohli and Hansal Mehta also voiced their shock over Prime Video India’s decision.
Kapur raised an important question- Would an international director like Christopher Nolan face the same treatment? If not, then why are Indian filmmakers not given the same respect?
Bandit Queen won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 1995 and was India’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 67th Academy Awards.
Despite its legacy and acclaim, Amazon Prime’s decision to alter the film without consent is both shocking and deeply disappointing.
