Kanu Behl: Most Directors Are Done With Netflix, OTT
🚨 Breaking Bollywood News Alert! Get the complete inside story. Updated November 13, 2025.
Director Kanu Behl Says "Not Just Anurag Kashyap Is Done" With Netflix, "Most Directors Are"
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🎬 Latest Development: "Not Just Anurag Kashyap": Kanu Behl Declares 'Most Directors Are Done' With Netflix and OTT Platforms, Sparks Industry Debate
Directors "done" with streaming.
📋 What You Need to Know
Filmmaker Kanu Behl, fresh from the critical acclaim of his latest film "Agra," has ignited a significant debate within the Indian cinema industry. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Behl didn't mince words, asserting that not only is Anurag Kashyap 'done' with Netflix, but 'most directors are' similarly disillusioned with OTT platforms. This bold statement underscores a growing sentiment among filmmakers regarding creative control, commercial pressures, and the evolving landscape of digital streaming. Behl's comments shed light on the complex relationship between artistic vision and the demands of platforms that have become dominant forces in content distribution, prompting a re-evaluation of the future of cinema.
🎭 Complete Story
Kanu Behl's recent statements in an exclusive NDTV interview have sent a ripple through the filmmaking community, echoing and amplifying concerns previously voiced by other prominent directors. Behl, whose film "Agra" has been making waves, specifically highlighted a pervasive dissatisfaction among filmmakers with major OTT platforms like Netflix. He pointedly referenced Anurag Kashyap's earlier remarks about being 'done' with Netflix, then expanded on it, stating that this sentiment is shared by 'most directors.' Behl's criticism likely stems from several key issues: the perceived lack of creative freedom, the algorithmic approach to content curation that often prioritizes quantity over artistic quality, and the financial models that may not adequately compensate or empower independent filmmakers. He might also be referring to the pressure to conform to specific genre requirements or audience metrics, which can stifle experimental storytelling. For directors like Behl and Kashyap, who are known for their distinct authorial voices and commitment to nuanced narratives, these platforms, once seen as havens for diverse content, are now increasingly viewed as commercial entities prioritizing data-driven decisions over artistic integrity. This tension between the "content factory" model of streaming giants and the vision of auteurs is at the heart of their disillusionment.
📊 Industry Analysis
The rise of OTT platforms initially promised a golden age for filmmakers, offering unprecedented creative freedom, diverse storytelling opportunities, and direct access to global audiences, especially for independent and niche cinema. However, Kanu Behl's comments, reinforced by Anurag Kashyap's earlier sentiments, reveal a growing disillusionment within the industry. This shift reflects the maturation of the streaming landscape, where initial expansion has given way to consolidation and commercial imperatives. Platforms, once champions of artistic experimentation, are now driven by subscriber numbers, retention rates, and data analytics, often leading to a standardization of content and a preference for proven formulas. This creates a challenging environment for directors seeking to push boundaries or tell unconventional stories. The financial models, ownership of intellectual property, and the lack of theatrical release for many OTT productions also contribute to the frustration. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between art and commerce, and the challenge for filmmakers to maintain their artistic integrity in an ecosystem increasingly dominated by powerful digital distributors.
💬 Expert Commentary
"Kanu Behl's candid remarks about director dissatisfaction with OTT platforms aren't just an isolated complaint; they represent a significant undercurrent in the global film industry," observes Mr. Vikram Singh, a veteran film producer and industry analyst. "Initially, streaming services were perceived as liberators, offering a bypass to traditional gatekeepers. However, as they've matured, they've developed their own set of constraints—algorithmic pressures, demand for 'binge-worthy' content, and often, a lack of transparency in viewership data. For an auteur, the loss of creative control and the commodification of cinema into mere 'content' can be profoundly frustrating. This isn't about rejecting the digital medium, but about negotiating a sustainable model where artistic vision isn't sacrificed at the altar of metrics. It's a critical juncture for both filmmakers and platforms to find common ground for the future of diverse storytelling."
🔗 Related Context
The concerns raised by Kanu Behl are not unique to India; similar frustrations have been voiced by filmmakers globally. Directors like Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan have consistently championed the theatrical experience, expressing reservations about the primacy of streaming. The debate around the "future of cinema" often centers on whether OTT platforms are merely distribution channels or are fundamentally altering the art form itself. In India, the discussion gained prominence during the pandemic when many films bypassed theatrical releases for direct-to-OTT premieres. While this offered a lifeline, it also sparked a contentious debate about the long-term implications for cinemas, the viewing experience, and the sanctity of filmmaking as an art. Behl's comments add a crucial artistic perspective to this ongoing, complex conversation.
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🎯 Key Takeaways
Kanu Behl's unfiltered declaration that 'most directors are done' with Netflix and other OTT platforms is a powerful signal of a brewing discontent within the filmmaking community. His comments, echoing those of Anurag Kashyap, spotlight the growing friction between artistic ambition and the commercial realities of streaming. This critical perspective challenges the narrative of OTT as an unmitigated boon for cinema, prompting a necessary conversation about creative autonomy, financial sustainability, and the true future of diverse storytelling. As the industry grapples with these tensions, Behl's voice serves as a vital reminder that for many filmmakers, the essence of cinema extends far beyond mere 'content' production.
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