Shahid OTT Release After 13 Years: Apurva Asrani Asks Why Now
Rajkummar Rao’s Shahid has arrived on Prime Video after 13 years, with writer Apurva Asrani questioning the film’s long OTT absence and reflecting on its themes of dissent and due process.
Rajkummar Rao-starrer Shahid has finally arrived on Prime Video, 13 years after its theatrical release. The delayed streaming release has now sparked fresh discussion, with writer-editor Apurva Asrani questioning why the film took so long to find an OTT home.
In a note on X, Asrani reflected on Shahid Azmi’s story and the film’s focus on due process, dissent and the rights of people accused under terror laws. He also questioned whether the changing political climate had any connection with the film’s long absence from streaming, though he did not provide evidence establishing such a link.
Asrani asked, “Why now?” while wondering whether the space for stories dealing with dissent and fear had changed. His comments have added a political dimension to the film’s long-awaited digital release.
Directed by Hansal Mehta, Shahid was released in 2013 and stars Rajkummar Rao as lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi, who was assassinated in 2010. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and later won National Awards for Mehta’s direction and Rao’s performance.
Mehta had also raised concerns about the film’s OTT absence in 2022, saying he was unsure who controlled its rights. With Shahid now available on Prime Video, the film is reaching a new digital audience while reigniting conversations around its themes and troubled streaming journey.
