Earlier this month, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur ignited a discussion by voicing his dissatisfaction regarding the editing of his 1994 film Bandit Queen on streaming platforms, claiming it had been altered to the point of being unrecognizable. In response to these allegations, Prime Video has stated that they did not make any modifications to the film.

Streaming giant reacts

Following Shekhar's criticism of the OTT platform for editing Bandit Queen without his consent, Prime Video has issued a denial regarding any alterations made to the film. They assert that the version currently available was obtained from the film's distributor, NH Studioz.

"Prime Video has not made any edits to the version of Bandit Queen that is currently available on our platform. The version streaming on Prime Video is the one provided by the film’s distributor, NH Studioz,” a spokesperson for Prime Video stated.

What did Shekhar Kapur say?

After praising the Netflix miniseries Adolescence on X, previously known as Twitter, Shekhar conveyed his discontent with the editing of his 1994 film Bandit Queen. He remarked, “I wonder @IAmSudhirMishra if OTT platforms would allow me to create #BanditQueen as I did years ago. The Bandit Queen on #AmazonPrime is unrecognizable compared to my original film. Someone has cut it beyond recognition. Yet it still bears my name as Director. No one consulted me! Are we considered lesser beings than Western Directors? Would they dare to edit a Chris Nolan film without his approval?”

Shekhar's recent social media post ignited a discussion among filmmakers, as many responded to his assertion that his film was altered without his approval. Kunal Kohli, the creator of Hum Tum, commented, “The Shekhar Kapur prior to Bandit Queen would certainly not be permitted by any OTT platform to create Bandit Queen in his desired manner. The act of cutting or hacking your film without consent is, to say the least, shocking.”

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also weighed in, stating, “That is the very point I’ve been attempting to convey, @shekharkapur. Are we here to nurture exceptional storytelling or merely to produce mediocre content? Let the compelling narratives, innovative storytelling, subtle moments, slow burns, experimental approaches, boldness, and substantial budgets be reserved for the more capable minds from the West. We seem to be regressing to the era of colonization.”

About the film

Shekhar Kapur’s 1994 film, based on the true story of bandit Phoolan Devi, depicted the harsh realities of Chambal dacoits. The film was recognized as the Best Hindi Film, and Seema Biswas received a National Award for her performance. Bandit Queen debuted in the Directors’ Fortnight section at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival and was showcased at several other festivals. Additionally, it served as India’s official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 67th Academy Awards, although it did not receive a nomination.

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