'Bandit Queen' OTT release: Where to stream the controversial film?
What's the story
Shekhar Kapur's controversial 1994 film Bandit Queen, starring the amazing Seema Biswas, is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. But the movie has stirred outrage for the OTT giant's edited version. Kapur recently took to social media to express his discontent, saying the film was cut without his permission and has been altered "beyond recognition." Would such changes be made to a Christopher Nolan film without his consent, he questioned.
Twitter Post
Read Kapur's tweet here
I wonder @IAmSudhirMishra if OTT platforms would let me make #BanditQueen the way I made it years ago. The Bandit Queen on #AmazonPrime is unrecognisable from my film. Someone has cut it beyond recognition. And yet it carries my name as Director. And no one asked me! Are we… https://t.co/LoYtkddlvp
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) March 18, 2025
Release history
Kapur's film 'Bandit Queen' faced initial censorship challenges
Based on Phoolan Devi's life, Bandit Queen had to face censorship hurdles at the hands of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Despite premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in 1994, it was banned in India. The movie was finally released in 1996, winning the National Film Award for Best Feature in Hindi. Lead actor Biswas also won a Best Actress award for her performance.
Director's discontent
Kapur's concerns about unauthorized edits on Amazon Prime Video
Kapur took to X/Twitter to voice his concerns over the unauthorized edits made to Bandit Queen for its Amazon Prime Video release. He wrote, "The anguish a director and editor go through when editing their films. The days/nights spent arguing, fighting over each edit, each cut. I remember those months with Renu Saluja and myself on #BanditQueen. And then some random person carelessly cuts the film for OTT release?"
Industry response
Industry support for Kapur amid 'Bandit Queen' controversy
Notably, the film industry has come out in support of Kapur over the controversy over Bandit Queen's edited version on Amazon Prime Video. Director Kunal Kohli was shocked by the unauthorized edits, saying it's shocking to cut/hack a film without the director's permission. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also lent his support, questioning if the industry is here to foster superior storytelling or produce cattle feed.
Film's success
'Bandit Queen' earned significant box office success
Despite its initial censorship challenges, Bandit Queen was a major box office hit in India; it also grossed handsomely across the US and Canada. The film's critical acclaim and commercial success have secured its place in the annals of Indian cinema. However, the controversy over its edited version on Amazon Prime Video has reignited a debate on artistic integrity and respect for a director's original vision.