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Brave themes of Hollywood may at times go a bit overboard grossing after censors, for instance in India. While a few films are axed in cinemas, the OTT platforms enable this to reach viewers still. We have compiled a list of 9 such Hollywood films that got banned in India but are now available on OTT.
Hollywood films are banned in India but are available on OTT
1. The Da Vinci Code
Available on: Netflix
Dan Brown’s bestseller “The Da Vinci Code” was controversial for its depiction of Christian history, so much so that Indian religious groups protested against the film. Although the show has been banned in quite a few states, it is worth watching, to say the least, particularly for those interested in mystery and historical conspiracy. The movie is also streaming on Netflix now, so you can watch it anytime.
2. Fifty Shades of Grey
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Even based on its sexual content alone, India banned “Fifty Shades of Grey” completely for alleged harsh visuals about some sort or other of bedroom activity. The film was turned down by the Indian censor board for being too provocative to be shown in theatres. But for those who are inquisitive about what made this romantic drama so popular among the masses, it is available on Amazon Prime Video.
3. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Available on: Netflix
The gritty and violent “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” was not released in India. The film’s nudity and violence, as well as its depraved subject matter, were found too shocking for the Indian viewers. Nonetheless, now you can watch these gripping thrillers on Netflix from your bed or living room.
4. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Available on: Disney+ Hotstar
Well, have you forgotten that even the revered “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” ran into trouble with our censors? The movie was heavily criticized because of distorting the image of Indian culture and blasphemy against God. India had however slammed the film as one that gives an inaccurate and poor portrayal of India. Even though it was banned, The Jungle Book will now be streaming on Disney+ Hotstar so you can watch this timeless adventure.
5. Noah (2014)
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Darren Aronofsky’s Noah was banned from India for distorting the biblical story of Noah’s ark. The film was also alleged to have distorted religious facts and hence, banned. But for those who missed the opportunity at theaters — “Noah” is on Amazon Prime Video, as an example of how one visionary filmmaker might interpret this story.
6. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Because of its extreme violence and graphic content, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was banned in India. Indian censors found it too much and cut many of the gruesome scenes from a film which draws on some shocking real-life cases to add an air of authenticity. The film is now available for a much wider audience to watch, thanks to its availability on Amazon Prime Video.
7. A Clockwork Orange
Available on: Apple TV+
India banned Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange” for its violent and misogynistic content involving rape, violence, sexual assault and mind control. The film was deemed too graphic for Indian audiences and banned from a theatrical release. It certainly remains divisive, and still can be watched if you have Apple TV+, so why not give a shot at Kubrick’s haunting classic?
8. Brokeback Mountain
Available on: Netflix
Brokeback Mountain never was banned in India officially, but it had its share of trouble before not getting a wide release. A romantic story between two men, the film has been quite controversial as in many conservative circles these themes are taboo. Now streaming on Netflix, it has gained a considerable following over the years—especially among advocates of LGBTQ+ rights.
9. The Exorcist
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
The Exorcist One of the scariest films ever and still banned in many regions, India refuses to screen it due to its creepy as hell demonic possession theme. The movie was rated as unsuitable for showing in India because of its excessive violence and religious references. But thanks to Amazon Prime Video the film is now available for horror lovers to experience a story that chilled and defined its genre.
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