The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised strong objections against the makers of Netflix’s film The Ba***ds of Bollywood and actor Ranbir Kapoor, citing concerns over the portrayal of an e-cigarette scene. In its complaint to the Mumbai Police, the NHRC has requested that a First Information Report (FIR) be considered against the filmmakers and the actor, alleging violation of content regulations and public health laws.
The Commission has also written to the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B Ministry), urging the ministry to take immediate action to restrict such portrayals that may normalize or promote harmful, banned substances through entertainment media.
The film, premiered on Netflix, has already generated controversy. According to NHRC officials, the depiction of Ranbir Kapoor using an e-cigarette in one of the promotional clips raised alarms. The Commission argued that such portrayals risk glamorizing smoking or vaping to younger audiences, directly contradicting existing public health campaigns.
The NHRC’s complaint highlighted the urgent need for accountability among filmmakers and streaming platforms, stating that “entertainment cannot come at the cost of public health.” It also questioned whether adequate disclaimers and compliance measures were in place, as required under current OTT content guidelines.
Alongside the police complaint, the NHRC addressed a formal letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In the letter, the Commission urged the ministry to examine whether the film violates rules under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and the self-regulatory framework governing OTT content.
The NHRC further recommended that the ministry consider issuing stricter advisories to streaming platforms to ensure that harmful depictions are either restricted, censored, or accompanied by mandatory disclaimers. The move comes amid ongoing debates over how OTT content should be regulated in India without compromising creative freedom.
While no formal FIR has been registered so far, the NHRC’s request has sparked widespread debate in legal, entertainment, and policy circles. Supporters of the Commission’s action argue that streaming platforms often bypass traditional censorship guidelines, making it easier for content with potentially harmful messages to reach mass audiences.
Neither Ranbir Kapoor nor the makers of The Ba***ds of Bollywood have released an official statement in response to the NHRC complaint. Sources close to the production team indicated that the scene in question may have been taken out of context, and that all legal guidelines were followed during filming.
This incident has once again placed the spotlight on the regulation of Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming platforms in India. Unlike theatrical releases, which fall under the purview of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), OTT content is governed by a self-regulatory code issued by the I&B Ministry.
Critics argue that the self-regulatory model has loopholes, as enforcement is inconsistent and varies across platforms. Public health experts have long advocated for stronger oversight of depictions of smoking, drug use, and other harmful behaviours in digital entertainment, citing their influence on impressionable audiences.
The ball is now in the court of the Mumbai Police and the I&B Ministry. If an FIR is lodged, it could set a precedent for future cases involving OTT platforms and high-profile actors. At the same time, the controversy may push the government to revisit content guidelines for streaming services, balancing public health concerns with freedom of artistic expression.
For now, The Ba***ds of Bollywood remains on track for its Netflix premiere, but the outcome of the NHRC complaint could determine whether the film faces cuts, disclaimers, or legal hurdles before audiences get to watch it.
