Pankaj Tripathi Slams OTT Censorship: 'Artistic Freedom Lost in Committee Decisions'
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Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi has sounded the alarm on the growing constraints on creative freedom in the OTT industry. In a candid conversation with Bollywood Hungama, he revealed how the once-liberating space has become mired in bureaucracy and second-guessing. Tripathi's team deliberately released their production 'Perfect Family' on YouTube, bypassing the lengthy approval process associated with major OTT platforms. He pointed out that large OTT services now introduce multiple layers of interference, from creative heads to legal reviews and production audits. This, he believes, stifles artistic expression and forces creators to navigate a minefield of approvals. The actor, known for his improvisational skills, recalled a recent incident where he was halted from delivering an impromptu line on set. A creative head intervened, citing the need for legal clearance. Tripathi questioned why harmless improvisation requires prior approval, suggesting that the fear of controversy has led to a system where choices are predetermined before an audience can even weigh in. He also shared a smaller, yet telling, anecdote about a scene where he was asked to recite a poem. The crew insisted on holding the shot until permission was confirmed, only to discover that the poet's family had no objections. Tripathi's experience highlights the excessive caution that pervades OTT productions, where even routine decisions are subject to scrutiny and clearance. As an actor who has appeared in films like 'Metro... In Dino' and 'Mirzapur', Tripathi's concerns about the OTT industry's shift towards censorship are noteworthy. His comments serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic freedom and commercial considerations in the ever-evolving world of entertainment.
