Shekhar Kapur Claims Bandit Queen Edited Without Permission: ‘Are We Lesser Beings Than Western Directors?’

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has expressed his frustration over the streaming version of his critically acclaimed 1994 film Bandit Queen, claiming that it has been edited beyond recognition without his permission. The movie, which tells the story of Phoolan Devi, a feared Chambal dacoit turned Member of Parliament, was widely praised for its raw and intense portrayal of her life.

Kapur, known for his other iconic films like Masoom, Mr. India, and the Elizabeth series, took to social media to voice his concerns, asking whether streaming platforms would ever dare to make similar alterations to the films of renowned Western directors such as Christopher Nolan. He wrote, “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 lesser beings than Western Directors? Would they have the guts to cut a Chris Nolan film without his permission?”

Kapur's remarks highlight a growing issue in the film industry regarding creative control and the extent to which streaming platforms and distributors can alter a director’s work. In his post, he questions whether the same respect is afforded to directors outside the West, particularly those from India, when it comes to preserving the integrity of their films.

This controversy has sparked debates about the balance between artistic vision and commercial interests in the age of streaming platforms, and how the industry treats films from different parts of the world.