Indian streaming platforms have quietly begun removing popular Turkish dramas. This decision is reportedly tied to Turkey's perceived political stance favoring Pakistan during recent tensions. This has become a sensitive issue for many Indian viewers.
Zee5 has already removed its entire catalog of Turkish dramas without any public announcement. Other major OTT platforms are also re-evaluating their Turkish content. New acquisitions of Turkish shows have been put on hold across the industry.
Popular Turkish series like 'Ertugrul Ghazi' had gained significant popularity in India. However, due to the current political climate, Zee5 took the lead in removing these and other related dramas from their platform.
Zee5 officials stated they had been monitoring Indian viewers' sentiments for several weeks. While no formal government directive was issued, they acted to protect their business interests. This was to avoid potential negative public reactions despite the shows' earlier success.
While some platforms still host Turkish content, new deals are stalled. YouTube channels broadcasting Turkish dramas are also facing disruptions, with takedown notices being reported. The film industry is also urging a boycott of Turkish content and productions.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have strongly opposed Turkish content. They cite Turkey's political stance and national security concerns, also calling for the removal of Pakistani content. The future of Turkish and Pakistani dramas in India remains uncertain due to these developments.
