Indian web series have become a HIT with the audience ever since the lockdown had been imposed.
However, there have been several such series that have faced severe controversy. Check out these 7:
(It is to be noted that the government recently brought even OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, giving it powers to regulate policies and rules for the online space)
Saif Ali Khan’s latest political drama ‘Tandav’ which released on Amazon Prime Video has landed itself in legal trouble. Several political leaders took offence at the particular scene in which Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, a stage performer is seen playing Lord Shiva and is heard saying, “Azaadi, what the…?” The Maharashtra BJP MLA, Ram Kadam, also filed a complaint against Tandav’s creators, actors and director.
Director Ali Abbas Zafar has publicly apologized for the same and has confirmed that the show will be renamed to avoid any reference to any religion.
Meanwhile, we’ve made a list of other such Indian web series that have landed in legal trouble.
1. Mirzapur 2
After its release, Anupriya Patel, a Member of Parliament from Mirzapur constituency demanded action against the web series. She had alleged that the show is portraying the state of Uttar Pradesh as a ‘violent’ region. She also mentioned that the show was spreading ethnic disharmony.
2. Pataal Lok
BJP MLA Nandkishore Gurjar had filed an FIR against the show and the producer alleging that the makers had used his image without permission. The image is used in a scene when a national highway is inaugurated.
Not just Nandkishore, but various other BJP leaders, including UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s image has been used in the scene. As per a DNA report, besides the FIR Gurjar demanded that a case be filed against Anushka under National Security Act, for causing communal stir and portraying different Hindu agencies in a negative light. The complaint claims the series to have ‘anti-national’ content. He also argued that it shows Gurjars as dacoits and people associated with malpractices.