I am not for censorship on digital platforms, says Ritesh Sidhwani

Proudcer Ritesh Sidhwani, who is gearing up for the release of his next web series 'Mirzapur', has said that he is against censorship on digital platforms.

Ritesh Sidhwani was interacting with media along with director Karan Anshuman, Gurmeet Singh, actors Pankaj Adavani, Rasika Dugal, Ali Fazal, Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Gaur, Amit Sial and Divyendu Shrma on Wednesday in Mumbai.

There are reports that the Centre is planning censorship in digital medium along with feature films. "I am not for censorship on digital platforms. We are in fact fighting against censorship even in films," he said.

"It (censorship) does not exist in television. First they need to look at what they are going to do with the TV. They can't jump to digital platforms if they are allowing self-censorship on TV," he said.

"If they start censoring it, then your content won't be able to travel. Because of Amazon, our show is available in 200 countries. We as filmmakers, writers and actors are being discovered in various countries."

When asked what is so liberating about video streaming service and the things he keeps in mind to make content for an online audience, he said, "I think the beauty of doing stuff online is that there is a sense of responsibility which you have to self-impose."

'Mirzapur' is a crime thriller web television series on Amazon Prime Video produced by Excel Entertainment. It is Amazon Prime Video's third fiction Indian original after Inside Edge and Breathe.

The series stars Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Vikrant Massey, Amit Sial, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur, Divyendu Sharma and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in key roles.

'Mirzapur' will have nine episodes in its first season, which have been directed by Gurmmeet Singh.

--IANS

iv/prs