Veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali has voiced strong concerns regarding the treatment of Indian screenwriters by global streaming platforms, characterizing the existing bias as "modern-day colonialism". Rajabali, known for his work in films like "Ghulam", "Pukar", "The Legend of Bhagat Singh", and "Raajneeti," made these remarks during a panel discussion at the annual general meeting of the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG), which was hosted in India by the Screenwriters Association (SWA).
The three-day global summit brought together representatives from 15 guilds across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Africa, and Asia to address critical issues faced by writers globally. Rajabali has been at the forefront of SWA's efforts to secure fair pay and contractual rights for writers. He argued that the current system is inherently unfair, stating, "It's modern-day colonialism, because you are treating them differently than you are treating us. If they deserve those rights, so do we". He highlighted the disparity where the same companies that provide residuals to writers in other regions, as mandated by law, resist providing royalties to Indian writers, also mandated by law.
Rajabali further criticized the prevailing mindset within the Indian entertainment industry, stating that "Producers and streamers in India are working under a feudal hangover, and every big company is scared of allowing the unions to gain in power or authority above them, even when that is the way to justice".
The panel discussion also included Laura Blum-Smith, Assistant Executive Director of the Writers Guild of America West; Jennifer Davidson, Chair of IAWG and the Writers' Guild of Ireland; and Peter Matessi, President of the Australian Writers Guild. Blum-Smith pointed out that streaming has increasingly become "a means of exploitation and erosion of the sustainability of screenwriting jobs", adding that writers are often expected "to do more work for less pay".
Rajabali's comments come at a time when streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar have experienced substantial growth in India. These platforms have significantly reshaped the Bollywood landscape, providing an alternative avenue for film releases and content monetization, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when movie theaters were closed. According to film critic Himesh Mankad, OTT platforms served as a "boon for Bollywood producers" whose funds were locked for a long time.
The influx of streaming services has also exposed Indian audiences to global content, raising the bar for entertainment expectations. Film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi noted that viewers are now accustomed to "phenomenal content from Israel, Spain, Korea, and various parts of the world," making the market more competitive.
Despite the opportunities presented by streaming platforms, concerns remain about the equitable treatment of Indian writers. Anjum Rajabali's strong stance highlights the need for fair compensation, respect, and contractual rights for screenwriters in the Indian entertainment industry. He believes that if the importance of stories and screenwriting continues to be denied, audiences will continue to reject films. His remarks also underscore the broader global issue of ensuring sustainable and fair working conditions for writers in the age of streaming.
