Will these web series be affected by the new OTT guidelines?

OTT platforms now need to have a self-regulation mechanism and set up a grievance redressal system

Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday announced the guidelines for over-the-top (OTT) platforms, stating that they need to follow a self-regulation mechanism while setting up a grievance redressal system.

"OTT platforms will have to have a self-regulating body, headed by retired Supreme Court or High Court judge or very eminent person in this category," he said.

Javadekar added that all streamers need to follow self-classification for categorising content based on whether it is appropriate for specific age groups and emphasised that they need a parental control mechanism

The new policy comes at a time when several streaming giants have come under fire for producing 'inappropriate' content. The Saif Ali Khan-starrer Tandav received flak for a scene in which actor Zeeshan Ayyub was seen dressed as Lord Shiva.

Also read: OTT, social media guidelines released: Key takeaways

Here is a look at a few upcoming web series that may be affected by the 'self regulation':

The Family Man Season 2

The Manoj Bajpayee-starrer was originally supposed to stream from February 12 but that did not happen as the makers decided to postpone it amid the Tandav controversy. The second season reportedly revolves around the clash between the charismatic protagonist Shrikant and a female terrorist, played by Samantha Akkineni. It can probably have political undertones.

Mirzapur Season 3

Mirzapur 2 ran into trouble when an FIR was filed against the makers for promoting 'abusive content' and 'illicit relations'. The third season is set in the same zone as the previous one and violence is likely to be an integral part of the narrative as the show essentially revolves around the quest for revenge.

Also read: Social media platforms must reveal 'originator of mischievous information': Govt

Potential upcoming seasons of Paatal Lok

Paatal Lok emerged as one of the most talked about web series of 2020. However, a few feathers were ruffled because of a scene that dealt with mob lynching. It remains to be seen whether subsequent seasons too will deal with such sensitive issues given the new guidelines.

Inside Edge Season 3

The biggie deals with the 'dark side' of the cricket world and highlights the menace of match fixing. The first two seasons featured strong language, references to substance abuse and physical intimacy. A few feathers might be ruffled if Inside Edge Season 3 too has such controversial scenes.

The Gandii Baat franchise

The Ekta Kapoor-backed Gandii Baat is a controversial series that deals with rural stories while exploring taboo issues. Nearly all episodes feature raw lovemaking scenes and strong language. The makers might have to put it in the 'A' category going forward if subsequent seasons follow the same format.