Why wrong sexual depictions and nudity on OTT platforms are dangerous?
OTT platforms are stereotyping the character of women by judging them only by physical appearance
Freedom of filming sex scenes on the name of creativity, arts and artistic nudity is cool but we are seeing a massive misuse of it on a large scale, especially on OTT platforms where there is no one to censor. OTT Platforms like ALTBalaji, Hotshot, MX Player, Flizmovies, Feneo, Kukoo, Neoflix, Ullu, Hotmasti, Chikooflix, Primeflix, Wetflix are producing basically just sexual content.
Sexual content is not a problem, it is people’s wish to watch if they want. The problem is the unrealistic and problematic gender depiction of gender dynamics. Feminists say that such depictions of females reinforce archaic stereotypes such as being weak and sexually submissive as females are judged mostly by physical beauty and appearance. This characterization of women play into stereotype and, thus doesn’t help the feminist cause. It becomes difficult to drive contemporary female narratives.
We might think that consumption of mature content is making Indians more comfortable with sex positivity and allow for greater acceptance of quiet conversations. But if we look at it closely, the dominant styles of storytelling used across popular ‘adult’ shows on OTT platforms, where sex is depicted as brazen and ‘daring’ reinforce a regressive stereotype. Don’t believe us, look at the key themes and plots of shows like Alt Balaji’s Gandi Baat, Ullu’s Kavita Bhabhi, or MX Player’s Mastram. Their intent makes it clear right from the name, trailer or posters.
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Wrong sex depictions on OTT platforms
One can observe unrestrained use of cliched euphemisms and metaphors to indirectly signal sex or sexual organs. The syntax used in shows indicates that sex should not be discussed openly. It is only hinted and not spoken maturely or freely.
Although there is variety within the genre (BDSM and other fetishes, depictions feature role-playing, small-town settings, characters of different age group), the content rather than creating awareness and sex-positivity, seems to be geared towards shock value.
Women’s character is mostly shown as a demure village girl or a bold urban woman. This content caters basically to only one gender, that is the male audience. The season 2 of Gandi Baat featured four female-centric stories and were based on either a hypersexualized or a passive female with almost every shot of the trailer focusing on the physicality of women. Looking at the fact that a large number of Indians access OTT content on their phones, mature content is seen privately, and follow the similar codes of watching porn. Instead, the show should have created discussions and conversations on social media and other public forums.
Another serious concern is using the helplessness of struggling actresses in these kinds of shows. Mumbai Police in November 2020 while talking about the FIR on ALTBalaji for allegedly showing obscene content said that it is likely that the actresses shown in the videos have been lured, exploited or compelled to perform the obscene acts. It can lead to the erosion of dignity of women and have disastrous consequences on young minds.
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