In the realm of Indian cinema, creativity often challenges societal norms, pushing boundaries that sometimes lead to bans. However, the digital age has allowed these banned gems to find a second life on OTT platforms.
Join us on a journey to uncover the top 5 banned Indian movies that are captivating audiences across the globe.
1 Fire:
Deepa Mehta's "Fire" stirred controversy for its portrayal of a same-sex relationship within a conservative Indian family. The film sheds light on suppressed emotions and societal taboos.
Release year: 1996
Director: Deepa Mehta
Cast: Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das
OTT Platform: Netflix
2. Bandit Queen:
"Bandit Queen" delves into the life of Phoolan Devi, a real-life bandit who sought revenge against the oppression she faced. Its explicit content and portrayal of violence led to its initial ban.
Release year: 1994
Director: Shekhar Kapur
Cast: Seema Biswas
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
3. BLack Friday:
Based on the book by Hussain Zaidi, the film examines the 1993 Bombay bombings, uncovering the intricate web of conspiracies and the subsequent investigation.
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Actors: Kay Kay Menon, Pavan Malhotra, Aditya Srivastava
OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Release Year: 2004
4. Udta Punjab
"Udta Punjab" exposes the dark reality of drug abuse in Punjab. The film's depiction of drug-related issues and profanity led to a tussle with the censor board before its release.
Release year: 2016
Director: Abhishek Chaubey
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt
OTT Platform: Zee5
5. Lipstick Under My Burkha:
Addressing female sexuality and societal restrictions, "Lipstick Under My Burkha" faced a ban due to its bold themes, but it later triumphed on OTT platforms.
Release year: 2016
Director: Alankrita Shrivastava
Cast: Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah
OTT Platform: Netflix
These banned Indian movies have defied conventions and challenged societal norms, leaving a significant impact on cinema enthusiasts. Thanks to OTT platforms, these controversial yet thought-provoking films have been given a second chance to spark conversations and contribute to the evolution of Indian cinema. Whether it's the audacious storytelling, renowned directors, or remarkable actors, these movies continue to leave an indelible mark on the audience.