Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Dibakar Banerjee's 'Tees' Shelved, Highlighting Censorship Concerns
Imagine a movie about a family in India facing tough times, like when people argue or when the government does things that aren't fair.
A director named Dibakar Banerjee made this movie called "Tees", but a big company called Netflix didn't show it.
The movie had famous actors and showed at a film festival, but Netflix was worried about causing trouble.
The movie showed difficult topics in India, so it might have caused problems with the government or some groups.
Because of this, Netflix decided not to release the movie, so it wasn't shown to most people.
This is like the director's message is being hidden, and it shows how sometimes some stories are kept away from the public.
Dibakar Banerjee's film "Tees" was commissioned by Netflix but shelved before release.
The film, starring Naseeruddin Shah, explores themes of identity and censorship across three generations.
Banerjee held private screenings after the film's premiere at the Dharamshala International Film Festival.
The shelving is seen as a result of the controversy surrounding similar projects and fear of backlash.
Banerjee believes the suppression of such art is detrimental to audiences.
- Who
- Dibakar Banerjee directed the film "Tees", starring Naseeruddin Shah, Manisha Koirala, and others.
- What
- “Tees,” a film exploring themes of identity, voice, and systemic excision in India, was shelved by Netflix despite critical acclaim.
- When
- The film was commissioned in 2019, delivered in 2022, and had a premiere at the Dharamshala International Film Festival in 2024.
- Where
- The film explores themes related to India, with private screenings held across the country.
- Why
- The film was shelved by Netflix due to concerns about potential backlash and censorship.
Filmmakers
Streaming Platforms
Artistic Expression vs. Risk Aversion
Filmmakers
Films should tell truth-telling stories and challenge narratives.
Streaming Platforms
Platforms prioritize avoiding controversy and potential financial and legal repercussions.
- Director
- Dibakar Banerjee
- Lead Actors
- Naseeruddin Shah, Manisha Koirala, Huma Qureshi
- Original Platform
- Netflix
- Film's Subject
- Three generations of a Kashmiri Muslim family
- Film Delivery
- 2022
- Dharamshala Premiere
- 2024
- Key Themes
- Censorship, identity, societal issues