Lights, Camera, Screen; Analyzing Censorship and its Issues with OTT

Indian cinema has always held a powerful influence over society, historically balanced by the pre-censorship guidelines of the Cinematograph Act of 1952 and the Central Board of Film Certification. However, the explosive growth of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms has exposed a dangerous regulatory loophole. While traditional theaters require strict pre-screening and age certifications, OTT content operates under the reactive, self-regulatory framework of the IT Rules 2021. This differential regulation based purely on the medium has led to post-release controversies, unpredictability for creators, and the rise of the "Heckler's Veto" through public backlashes. To ensure consistent content safety and legal clarity, this paper argues for unifying these standards. It recommends either expanding the Cinematograph Act or establishing a proactive review mechanism for streaming platforms, ensuring OTT content is regulated with the same care as traditional cinema.