Hansal Mehta mocks ‘progressive’ OTT smoking disclaimer, says by putting these tickers we will have healthy people who don’t smoke’

After theatres, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has mandated the carrying of a smoking or tobacco products disclaimer for content on OTT platforms across India as well. Since several Indian films are released on OTT platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, JioCinema, SonyLIV, Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, and others, several filmmakers have voiced their opinions on the move.

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Hansal Mehta is the latest to respond, and the Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story maker, whose hit series is available to stream on SonyLIV, has mocked the ministry for the mandate.

Hansal took to Twitter to speak out against the smoking disclaimer.

In a sarcastic tweet, the Scoop maker mocked the "progressive decision" of the ministry. His post read, "Yes. The only reason tobacco products and smoking kill is our shows/films. By putting these tickers we will have healthy people who don’t smoke. Very progressive decision."

Responding to a specific line in the ministry's report about the inclusion of the smoking disclaimer on OTT, Hansal posted, "This decision was made to protect people’s health and raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco."

Comments on his tweet were divided, with many supporting the filmmaker and others disagreeing with him. One user tweeted, "Your characters should not smoke cigarettes, in the upcoming movies". While another posted, "Instead government should stop selling (tobacco). This will save more lifes than allowing to sell with a message."

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