In the dazzling world of Bollywood and India’s booming OTT industry, where actors and directors often take center stage, a silent war is being waged behind the scenes. It’s a war of stolen ideas, missing credits, and exploitative practices—and at the heart of it are the writers. These are the people who imagine the stories, craft the dialogues, and build the emotional core of every successful show or film. Yet, many of them are now speaking out about how their work is being used without consent, credit, or compensation.
And finally, the tide may be starting to turn.
The Harsh Reality of a "Big Break"
Take the story of Rajat (name changed), a 29-year-old writer who believed his dreams were coming true when a reputed production house reached out to him during the OTT boom. He spent months developing a show concept they liked. Eventually, he was told it wasn’t working and was paid for his time.
But two years later, he saw a trailer on a major streaming platform that looked eerily familiar—his story, repackaged with minor changes. When he confronted the producers, they casually told him the idea had been passed to another writer and reworked. The worst part? Rajat had unknowingly signed off his rights in a contract. Legally bound, and not wanting to be labeled “difficult,” he chose not to challenge them.
“I had gotten more work since then and didn’t want to be seen as problematic. What hurt me was that nobody would know the show was mine. As a writer, the credit being missing hurt,” he says.
His story is not unique.
A Widespread Problem, Not an Isolated Case
To consider this an isolated incident would be a serious underestimation of the problem. According to data from the Screenwriters Association (SWA), in just a two-month period last year, they received 98 complaints related to plagiarism or missing credits. While more than 60 of these were resolved, the scale is alarming.
In May alone, two high-profile plagiarism cases made headlines:
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One involved the Prime Video show Gram Chikitsalay, now under legal scrutiny.
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Another writer publicly accused a top OTT platform of using their script without acknowledgment. The post was later deleted, likely due to legal or industry pressure.
Clearly, this is not a fringe issue—it’s structural.
Why Is This Happening?
Veteran screenwriter Charudutt Acharya, known for Vaastu Shastra and Dum Maaro Dum, points to a broken process.
“Old-school narration has gone away. Earlier, you wouldn't share the full plot until a contract was signed. Now, everyone wants the script, the outline, and the pitch—all upfront. Scripts pass through too many hands. The chain of command is too long, and it's easy for someone to lift or misuse it.”
It’s not just producers who are complicit. Sometimes, other writers—especially well-known ones—are hired to “rewrite” a script, and in the process, the original creator is erased from the credits. In these cases, even veteran writers need to hold themselves accountable.
“I once requested a veteran writer to ensure I was credited after they were hired to modify my script,” one writer said anonymously. “They told me I hadn't done enough work to deserve that. That attitude has to change.”
Legal Recourse Exists, But Few Pursue It
Zama Habib, SWA’s General Secretary and an industry veteran himself, admits that the legal path exists but isn’t always taken.
“We provide writers with legal help up to a certain limit. But many don’t pursue it out of fear. In India, where copyright is constitutionally protected, if you’re right, the law is on your side. But the fear of a long, drawn-out legal battle stops many.”
He emphasizes that courts have increasingly started taking SWA's analyses seriously in disputes, strengthening the credibility of writers’ claims. Still, intimidation, lack of resources, and fear of career backlash prevent many from coming forward.
A Glimmer of Hope: Writers Are Pushing Back
Despite the challenges, the community is slowly but surely finding its voice. Writers are banding together, filing more complaints, and raising awareness on social media. Platforms like SWA are providing not just registration and legal aid, but moral support too.
The industry is also witnessing some big-name writers openly supporting younger, emerging talent. There’s a growing consensus that transparency, fair contracts, and creative integrity must become the norm.
But it's a long road.
Conclusion: Time for Structural Change
The Indian entertainment industry is at a crossroads. While streaming platforms have democratized access and created opportunities for fresh voices, they have also introduced new layers of exploitation. Writers—who are arguably the backbone of any content-driven medium—deserve more than just a paycheck. They deserve credit, respect, and legal protection.
If you enjoy a web series or film that grips you with its dialogue, characters, or plot twists—remember, a writer imagined it long before it was shot. That imagination must be protected.
As audience members, bloggers, critics, and creators, we all have a role to play in amplifying these voices and demanding a more ethical industry.
Have thoughts on this issue? Know a writer who’s faced similar challenges?
Share your views in the comments or drop me a message—let’s keep this conversation alive.
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