Shekhar Kapur slams Prime Video for ‘ruining’ Bandit Queen—but who really changed the film?
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur (director of Bandit Queen) has accused Prime Video of streaming an altered version of his 1994 classic.
Kapur claimed the OTT version is “unrecognizable,” with re-edited scenes and changed music. However, Prime Video clarified they only streamed the version given by NH Studioz, the rights holders.
The controversy erupted after Kapur’s social media post in March 2024, sparking debates over film preservation in the digital age.
The dispute centers around Prime Video’s streaming catalog, where Bandit Queen is currently available in a modified form.
Bandit Queen is a landmark film in Indian cinema, known for its raw storytelling. Any changes to it upset fans and raise concerns about artistic integrity on OTT platforms.
How Did Prime Video Respond?
Prime Video says they didn’t edit Bandit Queen—they only used the version given by NH Studioz. But director Shekhar Kapur says the film looks completely different online. So who actually made the changes?
This isn’t just about one movie. It raises a bigger question: When old films go on streaming, who gets to decide how they look? As more classics move online, should filmmakers have more control to keep their work the way they intended?
A simple problem, but no easy answer. What do you think?
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