Cinematographer Pratik Shah, known for his work on projects like "Jubilee," "CTRL," and "Homebound," has deactivated his Instagram account after a series of allegations of abuse and inappropriate behavior surfaced online. The accusations gained traction when independent filmmaker Abhinav Singh publicly called out Shah on Instagram, describing him as "highly manipulative" and "emotionally abusive."

Singh's initial post served as a warning to his female followers, urging them to exercise caution around the cinematographer. He offered to provide further details via direct message. The response to Singh's post was overwhelming. He later shared that he was contacted by numerous women who shared similar experiences, describing feeling "silenced or sidelined." Singh expressed his dismay, stating, "The number of women who've reached out to me is honestly frightening. I feel like I'm having a Margot Robbie moment from Bombshell. I will not be silenced. And to those who are still employing him – f**k you. His name is Pratik Shah. He's a cinematographer.” Singh also criticized the silence from his male colleagues in the industry, urging them to "use their privilege to listen, really listen" and to support those who speak out.

Adding to the chorus of allegations, filmmaker and writer Srishti Riya Jain shared screenshots on her Instagram stories referencing Reddit posts that accused Shah of repeatedly messaging women inappropriately over the past four years. Jain criticized the film industry's perceived "selective attention span and gaze" regarding misconduct, highlighting the irony of Shah's involvement in projects celebrated for their empathy. She also noted that multiple Reddit posts accuse him of habitually messaging women. One Reddit user described Shah as "a total sleazeball," while others recounted unsettling experiences involving unwanted advances and uncomfortable interactions.

Following the surge of accusations, Shah's Instagram account became inaccessible, with a "Sorry, this page isn't available" message appearing in its place. The deactivation of his account has been interpreted by many as an attempt to avoid the growing backlash and scrutiny. As of now, Shah has not issued any public statement addressing the allegations.

This is not the first time Shah has faced such accusations. Four years ago, a young cinematographer filed a complaint with the Indian Women Cinematographers' Collective (IWCC), alleging that Shah had asked her for nude photos. He apologized at the time, calling it a "one-off incident," and received a warning. The resurfacing of this past incident has intensified the current controversy, raising questions about accountability and industry practices.

The allegations against Shah have ignited a broader conversation about the prevalence of misconduct within the film industry and the need for systemic change. Many are calling for greater transparency and accountability in addressing such issues, demanding a safer and more respectful environment for everyone involved. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play and the importance of creating spaces where individuals feel safe to come forward and report abuse without fear of retaliation.