OTT as a medium has flourished in the last few years and today people have a plethora of content to stream on various platforms. At the same time, some web shows and films heavily use explicit content. This sparked the debate about the need for censorship of OTT content. Recently, when OTTplay interviewed Tanuj Virwani for his series Murshid, the actor shared his thoughts about the censorship of OTT content and more.

Tanuj Virwani on the use of explicit content in OTT shows

In a conversation with us, Tanuj Virwani shared his take on whether OTT content should be censored. The actor quoted a line from the Spider-Man comic: 'With great power, comes great responsibility'.

He said, "Just because you have so much luxury and privilege in OTT space as opposed to film these days, it doesn't mean that you forcefully put double-meaning jokes, unnecessary abusive language, and unnecessary s*xual scenes where it isn't required. There are some shows and films like the ones that come to mind, Mirzapur and Paatal Lok, where I feel if you take these elements out, it will be a very different show. Toh haq banta hai to a point."

The Murshid actor admitted that he feels some elements seem forced even when he reads a scene while shooting for a project. "I am sorry to say but there have been times when people have come and told me 'aajkal yehi sab chal raha hain'. I don't care whether it is working or not. If it doesn't deserve to be in the script then forcefully don't show it. Then, it seems very forced," added Virwani. 

Tanuj Virwani on the need for censorship on OTT

As Tanuj continued this conversation, the actor said he would only agree with a maker's decision to have a character use abusive language or behave a certain way if there's concrete reasoning to it. That said, the actor believes, "We need to hold ourselves accountable to a higher thing. In the theatrical releases, there is so much censorship that goes on; even in our locally curated pictures and Hollywood films. So, I feel if those rules are applying there, then some sort of censorship... at least self-censorship should happen over here (in OTT space)."

Otherwise, Tanuj thinks actors would also feel that if they attempt something in movies, it might get cut, but it would be kept if the same thing is done in web shows. "One sense of responsibility should be there from the creators. If your content is good then you don't have to get desperate and put in unnecessary elements. There is always a market and audience for good content," he said while signing off.

Meanwhile, his series Murshid will premiere on ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium on August 30, 2024.

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