Filmmaker Onir’s latest outing, We Are Faheem & Karun , recently premiered at the Dharamshala International Film Festival and is set to be released in theatres soon. The queer love story, set against the stunning backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir, is presented by filmmaker Deepa Mehta. While Onir hopes for a theatrical release, he expresses concerns about the creeping threat of silent censorship, particularly on OTT platforms, which are generally perceived as more liberal with content.
In October, the Supreme Court had dismissed a PIL concerning the need for a regulatory board to monitor and manage over-the-top (OTT) and streaming platforms in India. Also Read: Silence empowers the oppressor: Onir on why speaking up on issues is important for him despite loss When asked if OTT platforms provide a better space for his brand of cinema, which often explores queer love stories, Onir responds with a nuanced answer. “Yes and no,” he says, acknowledging the shifting dynamics in the digital space.
He elaborates, “Right now, with the recent attacks on OTT platforms, now very often the platforms want your films to first go through CBFC before it comes to the platform.” A post shared by Onir (@iamonir) Onir further explains that OTT platforms, in an effort to shield themselves from potential controversies, often require a CBFC certificate for films that are not their own originals. “If a film is not their own, an original, they prefer that it has a censor certificate to avoid co.