OTT platforms are steadily expanding their international presence. Content providers want to be relevant in local markets by connecting with audiences through content that is culturally relatable. Platforms want to engage consumers to not only passively watch the content but also to share, comment and debate. However, it seems in their quest to provide cutting edge entertainment to customers, OTT platforms in India are ruffling some feathers on the wrong side of the political spectrum.
When it comes to the official government stance, Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has adopted a more cautious approach. Ministry officials are exploring ways to address the issue by inviting suggestions from industry stakeholders. While it is no secret that the current Indian government has strong nationalistic ideologies, so far it has kept a hands-off policy on OTT and refrained from regulating the industry. However, pressure from influential groups could see this change.
Some political organizations want to block content critical of the Indian standpoint on Kashmir or defamatory to Hindu symbols and the Indian Army. One of the shows criticized is "Leila," which is set in a dystopian future where Hindu nationalism takes over in India. The series has received disapproval from some quarters for showing Hinduism in a negative light. The popular Emmy nominated series " Sacred Games" is also accused of focusing on violence shown as the result of pro-Hindu sentiments.
For decades Indian broadcast and theatrical content has been censored . OTT streaming services are capitalizing on the freedom they enjoy outside the established regulatory codes by bringing content that is edgy and politically relevant to audiences. On the other hand, many think streaming content producers are taking far too many creative liberties in the absence of regulation.
It is possible a middle ground exists where viewers happily screen relevant creative content that maintains local sensibilities. Non-native content providers are not necessarily the best judge of local preferences and neither are governmental agencies always liberal. Finding a happy medium requires respectful discussion between industry stakeholders and regulators. For now, it appears India is following the democratic process of engagement between government and industry to identify collaborative solutions for the functioning of the OTT industry and this seems to be a step in the right direction.
