Rakesh Magotra
Never one to be drawn to the small screen or the chaotic world of OTT, I reluctantly pressed play—only because a trusted friend insisted a show was “unmissable, I sat down to watch the said popular show on an OTT platform, hoping for an engaging storyline and compelling performances. But within minutes, I was bombarded with a relentless stream of expletives—words so crude and offensive that they seemed entirely out of place in normal discourse. At first, I brushed it off, thinking it might be part of a gritty narrative. But as the show progressed, the dialogue seemed to compete in vulgarity, as if normal conversation was incomplete without a cuss word. The language, more than the plot itself, left a disturbing impact. I wondered—if I, as an adult, found it unsettling, what effect would it have on young, impressionable minds?
It can be said in unequivocal terms that OTT platforms have transformed entertainment consumption, providing unrestricted access to content across genres and languages. Unlike traditional television, which is subject to regulatory oversight, OTT platforms enjoy complete creative freedom. While this has encouraged artistic expression and innovation, it has also paved the way for content that thrives on excessive profanity, violence and even gratuitous vulgarity. What was once censored on mainstream television is now readily available at the click of a button, often without any age restrictions in place.
The psychological impact of constant exposure to profanity cannot be ignored, especially on adolescents. According to child psychologists, repeated exposure to aggressive and profane language can normalize such behavior, leading to desensitization. The teenage brain, still in the process of development, is highly susceptible to the external environment. Studies and research haverevealed that exposure to violent or explicit content in early adolescence can rewire the brain’s response mechanisms, making aggressive speech and disrespectful communication seem acceptable.
In India, where family values and respect for elders have traditionally been upheld as cultural cornerstones, the glorification of cuss words in mainstream entertainment is a worrying trend. The concern is not about occasional strong language used for dramatic effect but rather the casual and excessive integration of foul speech in scripts. Many young viewers, idolizing actors and fictional characters, unknowingly absorb these patterns and replicate them in real life.
Parents and educators are already struggling with the effects of social media addiction, declining reading habits and the overstimulation caused by digital content. The rise of abusive language in entertainment adds another layer to this crisis. If left unchecked, the impact could be far-reaching, affecting not only the way children communicate but also how they perceive authority, discipline and social decorum.
A common argument against censorship is that creative freedom should not be curbed. While this is valid to an extent, it is important to recognize that every society operates within ethical boundaries. Just as print and broadcast media adhere to content guidelines, digital platforms should also be subject to some level of scrutiny. The absence of regulation has allowed OTT platforms to escape accountability, leading to the unchecked proliferation of content that is not suitable for all audiences.
Some countries have already adopted clear guidelines for OTT platforms, ensuring that content is labeled correctly and age-appropriate restrictions are enforced. In India, however, self-regulation by streaming platforms has proven ineffective. Despite the presence of disclaimers and rating systems, there is no real mechanism to prevent underage viewers from accessing inappropriate content. Parental controls, while useful, cannot be the sole solution, especially when most families share common screens and devices.
Censorship should not be about imposing blanket bans on artistic expression but rather about implementing pragmatic measures that balance creative freedom with societal responsibility. Clear content classification should be mandated, ensuring that all shows and films on OTT platforms provide precise descriptions of their content, including language, violence and themes, allowing viewers to make informed choices. Stronger age verification systems must be introduced, replacing simple disclaimers with authentication measures similar to online banking security to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate material. Regulatory oversight by a dedicated board, akin to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), can ensure responsible storytelling without stifling creativity. Streaming platforms should enhance parental controls, including PIN-protected access to mature content, preventing minors from bypassing restrictions. Additionally, public awareness campaigns involving schools and parenting forums should be encouraged to highlight the long-term impact of unfiltered exposure to explicit content, fostering a culture of mindful consumption in the digital era.
The onus is also on filmmakers and writers to exercise responsible storytelling. Strong narratives do not require excessive use of profanities to be impactful. Some of the greatest films and shows in cinematic history have conveyed intense emotions without resorting to crude language. OTT platforms should recognize that their audience includes families and young viewers, and they have a moral obligation to balance artistic freedom with social responsibility.
As a society, we must ask ourselves—are we comfortable allowing our children to grow up in an environment where offensive language is normalized in everyday speech? Should entertainment come at the cost of eroding basic respect and decency? Regulation is not about restricting creativity; it is about ensuring that creativity does not descend into an unchecked free-for-all that ultimately harms society.
On this note, it is time to acknowledge that digital entertainment needs reasonable and responsible censorship. The goal is not to curb artistic expression but to ensure that content remains within the boundaries of civility. A balance must be struck—one that preserves creative liberty while safeguarding young minds from undue harm.
(The author is a DGM in JK Bank )
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