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Tag: Netflix

  • Disney+ Hotstar & Netflix dominate India’s SVoD market: Omdia

    Disney+ Hotstar & Netflix dominate India’s SVoD market: Omdia

    MUMBAI: Now here’s further research confirming Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar’s dominance of the Indian streaming market. Research firm Omdia’s  2021 Online Video Market and Consumer Trends Report released on 31 March states that the two streaming giants accounted for 50 per cent of all subscription video on demand (SVoD) signups in India in 2020. This was on the back of the pandemic and nationwide lockdown which saw SVoD revenues spurt 142 per cent from $265 million to $639 million by end 2020. The duo accounted for 78 per cent of that final tally, meaning about $498.42 million.

    While Disney+ Hotstar trebled its subscriber base from eight million to 25.6 million in 2020, Netflix nearly doubled its subs from 2.4 million in 2019 to 4.4 million in the same period. The Indian streamer’s growth partly came from the  bundling of Disney+ and Hotstar, as well as the postponement of the start of the thirteenth  season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) from April to September, as well as competitive pricing plans and exclusive rights to foreign content such as Game of Thrones.

    One of the key factors for the growth of subscriptions for online video is the aggressive pricing models of both Disney+ Hotstar and Netflix, with the latter launching mobile only subscription packages in 2019, reflecting the Indian consumption habits. 82 per cent of online video services are accessed through smartphones with only 39 per cent accessing content through dedicated TV apps (data from Omdia’s 2020 consumer survey).

    Disney+ Hotstar on the other hand offers three specific content packages. The VIP plan (Rs 399 per year) offers dubbed local languages while Premium (Rs 299 per month) offers both English and dubbed version of content. In terms of device access, the VIP plan only allows its subscribers to watch on one screen in HD while Premium allows subscribers to watch on two screens simultaneously in full HD.

    By offering affordable streaming plans and partnering with large telcos such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone India, Omdia expects that mobile-only subscriptions will continue to grow over the next couple of years. However, mobile-only subscriptions will face challenges from traditional pay TV services as pay TV services aggregate OTT video services with their core pay TV plans.

    Whilst retaining premium rights to foreign titles and sporting events have contributed to significant growth in revenues and subscribers, over the past few years there has been an increased focus on investing in original Indian language content, Omdia noted.

    In 2021, Amazon Prime and Netflix will continue their large investment in original Indian content, with the two major US services set to invest around $340 million, representing 52 per cent of the total investment in 2021. Omdia expects that close to 400 original titles (mostly series and films) will be produced in 2021 by the global and Indian OTT services.

    Most of the investment being made is directed towards original content in Hindi, around 65 per cent  of total spending, according to the Omdia report.

    “The online video (OTT) market of India is steadily growing its foothold in every direction,” says Omdia principal analyst – TV & online video, consumer Constantinos Papavassilopoulos. “The Covid2019 pandemic accelerated the growth rate of an already dynamic and robust OTT market. The basic elements that will propel the market to further growth in the near future are already there: very affordable mobile broadband prices, high penetration of smart-phones, a population eager to consume more content, an ever-growing investment in Indian originals and a plethora of choices with more than 40 OTT services operating in the country.”

  • Telecom bundling, availability of smart TVs boosting OTT market in India

    Telecom bundling, availability of smart TVs boosting OTT market in India

    NEW DELHI: The Covid2019 outbreak which brought the entire world to a standstill has helped one sector in India – the OTT industry. Post the pandemic, OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar gained massive popularity in the country, and they successfully expanded their userbase in 2020. 

    From bundling plans to cheaper smart televisions, there are various factors that have played a crucial role in elevating the popularity of OTT platforms in India, according to data shared by analytics firm Redseer.

    Telecom bundling helps OTT platforms increase their userbase

    Bundling plans offered by telecom and broadband providers have helped OTT platforms to increase their customer base during the pandemic. 

    Telecom companies like Airtel are offering subscriptions to Hotstar, Netflix, and Prime Video as a part of their bundling plans, while Jio Fibre's broadband bundling offers free Prime Video and Netflix subscriptions. 

    According to the report, unique paid user growth rate was 35 per cent in February 2021 when compared to April 2020. Subscriptions also increased by eight percent during the same period, and the subscription revenue also witnessed a rise of 41 per cent. 

    In an attempt to expand its customer base, Netflix last year launched a new plan priced at Rs 199, where the user can watch their favourite movies and shows on their smartphones. Even though this plan will not work on smart televisions, it has impressed the urban youth in the nation who spend most of the time on mobile screens. 

    The rise in smart TV users helps streamers

    The growing number of smart TV users in India is also contributing to the growth of OTT platforms in India, the Redseer analysis revealed. Unlike previous years where smart TVs were confined to rich homes, the entry of companies like Xiaomi in the Indian market turned things upside down, as they are now offering full HD and 4K smart televisions at an affordable rate. 

    Indians spend 188 billion minutes streaming videos in February

    According to the survey, Indians spent 188 billion minutes on OTT platforms in February, a drop of six percent when compared to the 200 billion OTT minutes Indians spent last April. The drop is primarily due to the country's return to normalcy, and the arrival of television soaps in channels. However, with more releases in the pipeline along with product improvement, the engagement is likely to increase in the coming months. 

    Out of the 188 billion minutes, users spent 69 billion minutes watching daily soaps, followed by movies with 31 billion minutes and then originals produced by the OTT platforms. 

  • NCPCR asks Centre to order removal of scenes from Netflix’s ‘Bombay Begums’

    NCPCR asks Centre to order removal of scenes from Netflix’s ‘Bombay Begums’

    KOLKATA: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) asked the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) to direct Netflix to remove certain scenes from its recently launched show Bombay Begums.

    According to a PTI report, NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo wrote in a letter that the streaming service is continuing to violate law impacting the interest of children. It has asked the Centre to direct Netflix to immediately remove the scenes.

    “You are further requested to furnish an ATR [action-taken report] in this regard within seven days of issue of this letter, failing which the commission will be constrained to initiate proceedings under Section 14 of CPCR [Commissions for Protection of Child Rights] Act, 2005,” the letter read.

    Earlier this month, the NCPCR issued a notice to the streaming giant to stop streaming Bombay Begums. The commission said it received complaints from two Twitter handles regarding the Netflix original. The objection had been raised in regards to the scene where a 13-year-old girl is seen “snorting cocaine” at a party.

    The NCPCR further stated that a series with this type of content will pollute young minds and may result in abuse and exploitation of children at the hands of perpetrators and offenders.

    "Netflix should take extra precaution while streaming any content in respect of the children or for the children and shall also refrain themselves from getting into such things," the commission said in the notice.

    Bombay Begums, written and directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, started streaming on Netflix on 8 March and revolves around five women whose lives are interconnected.

  • Binge-worthy shows to get you through the week

    Binge-worthy shows to get you through the week

    MUMBAI: Girls rule the roost! Well, at least that’s what the latest report from US-based information, data and market measurement firm Nielsen seems to suggest. The top three most watched acquired titles on OTT platforms – Good Girls, Ginny & Georgia and I Care A Lot – are all female-driven shows. But that’s where the similarity ends. While all three are to be found on popular streaming platform Netflix, their content involves very different storylines.

    Good Girls is an American crime comedy-drama television series created by Jenna Bans that premiered on NBC on 26 February 2018. The series showcases the story of sisters Beth and Annie and their best friend Ruby, who become fed up with playing by the rules and not getting the respect they deserve. They band together to take control of their lives and go on to hold up a local grocery store.

    Ginny & Georgia is an American dramedy streaming television series created by Sarah Lampert that was released on Netflix on 24 February 24 this year. It’s a tale about free-spirited Georgia and her two kids, Ginny and Austin, who move north in search of a fresh start but find that the road to new beginnings can be bumpy.

    I Care a Lot is a 2020 American black comedy film starring Gone Girl actor Rosamund Pike. If you come to watch this movie going by its deceptive title, expecting a feel‑good story of a female protagonist with a heart of gold who can do no wrong and that shines as a beacon of moral goodness untainted by the big bad world, then you are in for several shocks. The film is about a court-appointed legal guardian who defrauds her older clients and traps them under her care. Also, this title came up tops in the Top Ten Movies list too.

    If we switch over to original content on streaming platforms, it’s the same story. So let’s tune in for a more detailed insight on the top ranked subscription video on demand (SVoD) programs. The Nielsen data curated is from the end of February (Week of 21 February 2021 – 28 February 2021).

    The top three programs are Ginny & Georgia, WandaVision and Behind Her Eyes, with the just released Ginny & Georgia once again topping this list too. Again, all three are women-dominated stories set in completely different backdrops.

    WandaVision again remains the only non-Netflix show in the top Ten. The American television miniseries created by Jac Schaeffer based on the Marvel Comics characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision can be found on the streaming service Disney+.

    Behind Her Eyes is a British supernatural psychological thriller web series created by Steve Lightfoot, based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Sarah Pinborough, that premiered on Netflix on 17 February 2021. It depicts the story of a single mother, who enters a world of twisted mind games when she begins an affair with her psychiatrist boss while secretly befriending his mysterious wife.

    The next in line, Firefly Lane, also revolves around two women – Tully and Kate, who meet as young girls on Firefly Lane and become inseparable friends throughout 30 years of ups and downs. This American streaming television series was created by Maggie Friedman for Netflix and is based on the novel of the same name.

    Bridgerton – the period drama set in the world of Regency era London, produced by Shonda Rhimes for Netflix rounds up the top five under originals. Together, the girl power seems to have dethroned royal drama The Crown from its top spot in the rankings.

    Amongst the most watched acquired shows, long running American television productions like Criminal Minds and Grey's Anatomy have managed to hold the fort this week too. In fact, Grey's Anatomy, an American medical drama television series that premiered in 2005, is the longest-running scripted primetime series carried by ABC. The fictional series focuses on the lives of surgical interns and residents as they develop into seasoned doctors while balancing personal and professional relationships. The series was most recently renewed for its seventeenth season.

    Criminal Minds is an American police procedural crime drama television series which also premiered in 2005 on CBS, and concluded in 2020. It follows a group of criminal profilers who work for the FBI as members of its Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) and tells the story of the team as they work various cases, and tackle their personal struggles.

    Schitt’s Creek, the Canadian television sitcom created by father and son Eugene and Dan Levy and aired on CBC Television, is the fourth contender on the top ten. The hilarious but heart-warming tale of the stinking rich family of four, who suddenly find themselves bankrupt left with an ugly small town named Schitt's Creek as their only remaining asset has found many takers, not to mention awards. The series has been raking in awards in the comedy category ever since its finale season six was aired in April 2020 on Netflix .

    Together, these top ranked shows comprise an eclectic mix of originals and acquired programs, encompassing dramas, reality shows, sitcoms, movies and psychological thrillers. Something to chew on as you breeze through your weekend. Cheers!

  • Netflix & Gobelins expect big things from young Indian brains in animation industry

    Netflix & Gobelins expect big things from young Indian brains in animation industry

    NEW DELHI : Animation and visual effects have become an integral part of storytelling in films, and it is practically impossible to think about a movie without special effects and computer graphics. In an attempt to find and nurture young Indian brains in the animation industry, OTT giant Netflix, in association with Gobelins and Amity School of Film and Drama conducted a 'visual storytelling' animation course from 15 to 19 March 2021. 

    The animation course helped participants to understand the art of storytelling using images, and the program indicated that India is soon going to become the powerhouse of the animation and VFX industry in the future. 

    Most participants in the course were graduates and teachers from famed animation schools in the country. 

    During the session, students were introduced to storyboarding and animation principles. Some of the activities included sessions on animation principles, storytelling fundamentals, character design, storyboards, and gesture design. There were guest lectures by expert animation studio heads including Guillaume Dousse (Sun Creature) and Anish Mulani (Fractal Picture). The group also heard from Green Gold Animation founder Rajiv Chilaka, who created Netflix’s beloved preschool hit series Mighty Little Bheem. 

    Students also received personalised coaching from faculty, helping them develop personal projects for formats across film, television, and animation. As OTT giants like Netflix and institutions like Gobelins L'école de L'image are concentrating on India to pick impeccable talents, experts believe that it could celebrate India’s storytelling culture and help bring more of it to the world. 

  • Password sharing costs US streamers $25 bn every year, report says

    Password sharing costs US streamers $25 bn every year, report says

    KOLKATA: Several reports suggested recently that Netflix is testing a feature to curb widespread password sharing. It makes sense for the streaming giant, as it is losing about $6.2 billion each year due to the prevailing trend of multiple unauthorised people using the same account. Overall, the issue has led to a loss of $25 billion for US streaming platforms.

    According to media reports, Citi Global Markets analyst Jason Bazinet said in a note it is going to be an important issue for HBO Max, Disney+, Peacock, Spotify as well. “As streaming services move to center stage, thwarting this theft will be of growing importance for shareholders,” he wrote.

    Research firm Magid recently said that Netflix could significantly increase its slow domestic subscription growth by cracking down on password sharing. It also added that 33 per cent of US SVoD subscribers share passwords.

    Recently, another research note from Bank of America also said that a significant portion of users share their passwords with non-subscribers. Hence, an attempt to curb the practice will be definitely helpful.

    “In our streaming survey, we asked a pool of Netflix subs if they shared the service with another household…and 26 per cent said they did, and 50 per cent of these said it was shared with family in multiple locations,” it added.

    Last week, reports emerged that Netflix is in the process of trialling a crackdown on ineligible users who access the streamer's content through password sharing. Some users have reported seeing a screen saying, "If you don't live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching." Studies over the years have estimated that the number of password freeloaders on Netflix number in the millions.

    "This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorised to do so," the BBC quoted a Netflix spokesperson as saying.

  • New IT guidelines not intended to control OTT platforms: I&B minister

    New IT guidelines not intended to control OTT platforms: I&B minister

    NEW DELHI: The government has attempted to provide a level-playing field for various digital platforms through the new guidelines on over-the-top (OTT) platforms, said union information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar, amid concerns that the new rules may pose a threat to the freedom of expression.

    The minister mentioned that digital technology platforms have played a key role in promoting transparency and introducing a corruption-free atmosphere in governance.

    “Through these guidelines on OTT, we have tried to bring about transparency and provide a level playing field to various media platforms, be it electronic, print, or digital media. It is just for fair-facilitation for self-regulation and not intended for controlling the OTT platforms,” said Javadekar, while speaking at a digital media conclave organised by a private TV network in Mumbai.

    The new rules released by the government on 25 February ask for a three-tier grievance system and content classification for digital platforms. First, self-regulation by the platform through a grievance redressal officer; second, by an institutional self-regulatory body of industry experts, and third level of oversight through an interdepartmental committee constituted by the government.

    While this may create a forum where users can voice their complaints, there are concerns that it could also lead to an increase of content-related disputes in the country. Several video streaming platforms are already mired in controversies over their content, the latest being Amazon Prime’s Tandav and Netflix’s Bombay Begums.

    The formulation of guidelines took place expeditiously, revealed Javadekar, with more than 50 cabinet meetings held virtually to ensure that there weren't any delays in the decision-making.

    The union minister also talked about the decision to broadcast the old Doordarshan TV series like Ramayana, Mahabharat during the pandemic and how it registered record-breaking viewership.

  • Bombay Begums: NCPCR asks Netflix to snip ‘objectionable’ scenes

    Bombay Begums: NCPCR asks Netflix to snip ‘objectionable’ scenes

    NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued an order asking Netflix to immediately remove specific scenes involving minors which are cited to be objectionable from the Bombay Begums series and asked it to stop streaming the series until then, the Times of India has reported.

    It has also sought an action taken report within the next three days.

    According to the report, the child rights body has also directed Mumbai police commissioner to take action with regards to the content in the series cited in the order and report back within a week. NCPCR has also given Netflix time till 18 March to reply.

    The order was passed following a meeting of Netflix officials with NCPCR to discuss the issues pertaining to representing and portrayal of children in the series Bombay Begums.

    “After detailed deliberations, the commission is of the view that these particular scenes are in violation of relevant sections of JJ Act, 2015, POCSO Act 2012 and IPC, 1860 as minor children were used in these scenes. Therefore, Netflix is directed to immediately remove these scenes from the series and meanwhile till the time they come to any decision in this regard, they shall stop the streaming of this series on their platform,” Kanoongo asserts in the order, according to the TOI report.

    As reported earlier, the NCPCR had issued a notice to OTT platform Netflix to stop streaming Bombay Begums. According to the notice, the commission received complaints from two Twitter handles regarding the Netflix original. The objections have been raised in regards to a scene where a 13-year-old girl is seen “snorting cocaine” at a party, as well as another plot point dealing with school girls sending nude selfies to members of the opposite sex.

    NCPCR had stated that the series with this type of content will pollute young minds and may result in abuse and exploitation of children at the hands of perpetrators and offenders and it does not allow representing, portraying, glorifying children in India in such manner on any platform including streaming services.

    Bombay Begums, written and directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, started streaming on 8 March and revolves around five women whose lives are interconnected.

    The action comes days after Netflix’s arch rival Amazon Prime Video issued an apology for its series Tandav in the wake of widespread furore over the depiction of Hindu deities.

    Meanwhile, the government has also notified new rules to better monitor and regulate the content on new age entertainment platforms consisting of a three-tier redressal mechanism. 

  • Netflix outpaces traditional players in Oscar race with 35 nominations

    Netflix outpaces traditional players in Oscar race with 35 nominations

    KOLKATA: After a year of theatre shutdown, it comes as no surprise that streaming services are dominating the awards season. Netflix, which swept the Golden Globes earlier this month, is ruling the nominations at the 93rd Academy Awards, or Oscars, too. The streaming colossus has scored 35 nominations for its movies; arch rival Amazon Studios has bagged 12 nominations. Among others, Disney+ and Apple TV+ earned their first Awards nods.

    Netflix picked up 24 nominations last year. For 2021, it has scored 10 nominations for David Fincher’s Mank. The black-and-white drama about 1930s Hollywood has been nominated in several categories including best picture, director, actor and supporting actress.

    Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7, which picked up six nominations, is also another best picture contender from Netflix. Other nominees from the platform include The White Tiger, Over the Moon and Crip Camp.

    Amazon Studios’ One Night in Miami and Sound of Metal bagged nominations in several categories, with the latter’s lead actor, Riz Ahmed, becoming the first Muslim to be nominated for the best actor Oscar. It also scored nominations for Sacha Baron Cohen-starrer Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.

    “This past year we were incredibly lucky to work with an extremely diverse and talented group of filmmakers, actors and crews, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. Each of the four nominated films are brilliantly executed, weaving together poignant stories and artistry that have resonated with audiences everywhere," Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke said as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

    The Walt Disney Co’s streaming service Hulu made the nominees list for The United States Vs. Billie Holiday. Moreover, its shining star in d2c race Disney+ picked up its first Oscar nominations. It got best animated feature nods for Onward and Soul. Another Disney+ release, Mulan, received nominations for costumes and visual effects.

    Another new entrant in the streaming race, Apple TV+ also swept up its first Oscar nominations including animated feature nod for Wolfwalkers, and best sound nod for war film Greyhound.

    2020 was an exceptional year for traditional studios and multiplexes. Amid worldwide lockdown, many studios delayed their big ticket theatrical releases; others took the direct to OTT route. To adjust with the unprecedented situation, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had to allow films without theatrical release for Oscar nominations.

    See the list of nominees below.

    Best Picture
    The Father
    Judas and the Black Messiah
    Mank
    Minari
    Nomadland
    Promising Young Woman
    Sound of Metal
    The Trial of the Chicago 7

    Best Directing
    Thomas Vinterberg, Another Round
    David Fincher, Mank
    Lee Isaac Chung, Minari
    Chloe Zhao, Nomadland
    Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman

    Best Actress in a Leading Role
    Viola Davis, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
    Andra Day, United States vs. Billie Holiday
    Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman
    Frances McDormand, Nomadland
    Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman

    Best Actor in a Leading Role
    Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal
    Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
    Anthony Hopkins, The Father
    Gary Oldman, Mank
    Steven Yeun, Minari

    Best Actress in a Supporting Role
    Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
    Glenn Close, Hillbilly Elegy
    Olivia Colman, The Father
    Amanda Seyfried, Mank
    Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari

    Best Actor in a Supporting Role
    Sacha Baron Cohen, The Trial of the Chicago 7
    Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah
    Leslie Odom, Jr., One Night in Miami
    Paul Raci, Sound of Metal
    LaKeith Stanfield, Judas and the Black Messiah

    Best Original Screenplay
    Judas and the Black Messiah
    Minari
    Promising Young Woman
    Sound of Metal
    The Trial of the Chicago 7

    Best Adapted Screenplay
    Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
    The Father
    Nomadland
    One Night in Miami
    The White Tiger

    Best Cinematography
    Judas and the Black Messiah
    Mank
    News of the World
    Nomadland
    The Trial of the Chicago 7

    Best Film Editing
    The Father
    Nomadland
    Promising Young Woman
    Sound of Metal
    The Trial of the Chicago 7

    Best Animated Feature Film
    Onward
    Over the Moon
    A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
    Soul
    Wolfwalkers

    Best Animated Short Film
    Burrow
    Genius Loci
    If Anything Happens I Love You
    Opera
    Yes-People

    Best Live-Action Short Film
    Feeling Through
    The Letter Room
    The Present
    Two Distant Strangers
    White Eye

    Best International Feature Film
    Another Round
    Better Days
    Collective
    The Man Who Sold His Skin
    Quo Vadis, Aida?

    Best Documentary Feature
    Collective
    Crip Camp
    The Mole Agent
    My Octopus Teacher
    Time

    Best Documentary Short Subject
    Colette
    A Concerto Is a Conversation
    Do Not Split
    Hunger Ward
    A Love Song for Latasha

    Best Original Score
    Da 5 Bloods
    Mank
    Minari
    News of the World
    Soul

    Best Original Song
    "Fight For You," Judas and the Black Messiah
    "Hear My Voice," The Trial of the Chicago 7
    "Husavik," Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
    "Io Si (Seen)," The Life Ahead
    "Speak Now," One Night in Miami

    Best Sound
    Greyhound
    Mank
    News of the World
    Soul
    Sound of Metal

    Best Costume Design
    Emma
    Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
    Mank
    Mulan
    Pinocchio

    Best Makeup and Hairstyling
    Emma
    Hillbilly Elegy
    Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
    Mank
    Pinocchio

    Best Production Design
    The Father
    Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
    Mank
    News of the World
    Tenet

    Best Visual Effects
    Love and Monsters
    The Midnight Sky
    Mulan
    The One and Only Ivan
    Tenet

  • NCPCR asks Netflix to stop streaming Bombay Begums for inappropriate depiction of children

    NCPCR asks Netflix to stop streaming Bombay Begums for inappropriate depiction of children

    KOLKATA: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued a notice to OTT platform Netflix to stop streaming Bombay Begums. It has also asked the streamer to furnish a detailed action report within 24 hours, failing which it will be constrained to initiate appropriate legal action.

    According to the notice, the commission has received complaints from two Twitter handles regarding the Netflix original. The objections have been raised in regards to a scene where a 13-year-old girl is seen snorting cocaine at a party, as well as another plot point dealing with school girls sending nude selfies to members of the opposite sex.

    NCPCR stated that the series with this type of content will pollute young minds and may result in abuse and exploitation of children at the hands of perpetrators and offenders.

    The commission further mentioned that it does not allow representing, portraying, glorifying children in India in such manner on any platform including streaming services.

    "Netflix should take extra precaution while streaming any content in respect of the children or for the children and shall also refrain themselves from getting into such things," the commission said in the notice.

    Bombay Begums, written and directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, started streaming on 8 March which revolves around five women whose lives are interconnected.

    Lately, the content on OTT platforms have come under severe scrutiny. Netflix’s arch rival Amazon Prime Video issued an apology for its series Tandav in the wake of widespread furore over the depiction of Hindu deities. The government has also notified new rules to better monitor and regulate the content on new age entertainment platforms consisting of a three-tier redressal mechanism. Although the Centre has emphasised it is a “soft-touch regulation”, many experts have criticized the guidelines, saying they give the government overriding power to step in.