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Following recent tensions between India and Pakistan, the ripple effect has reached the entertainment industry. Indian OTT platforms have begun removing Turkish dramas due to Turkey’s public support for Pakistan, prompting calls for a wider boycott.

Zee5 Leads the Charge in Content Removal
Streaming giant Zee5 has already taken down Turkish titles such as Relationship Status: It’s Complicated and others without making public announcements. These shows, once popular in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities, were part of the Zindagi bouquet.
An insider told Mid-Day, “We’ve been monitoring public sentiment. While there’s no government directive, we chose to act to avoid reputational risks.”

More Platforms Reconsidering Turkish Content
Other platforms like Amazon Prime Video and MX Player, known for offering Turkish hits like Golden Boy, Endless Love, and Love is in the Air, are reportedly pausing new acquisitions from Turkish production houses.
The insider added, “We haven’t received formal government instructions, but internal advisories have urged caution.”

Even YouTube channels streaming Turkish shows are feeling the heat. The channel Live Pakistan, known for airing Resurrection: Ertuğrul, became inaccessible in India after receiving takedown requests.

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Industry Bodies Call for Complete Boycott
Industry organizations are now officially backing the boycott. On May 14, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) issued strong statements urging Indian filmmakers to avoid shooting in Turkey.
AICWA declared a total ban on film shoots and collaborations with the country, citing national interests and Turkey’s stance on geopolitical issues.

A Diplomatic Fallout with Cultural Impact
As President Erdoğan’s support for Pakistan continues to draw criticism, Turkey’s soft power in India via entertainment appears to be rapidly declining. While the Indian government hasn’t issued a formal ban, the entertainment world is clearly taking a stand.