Is India’s Culture Under Threat from OTT Apps Like ULLU? Supreme Court, Govt Crack Down on Vulgar Content

In recent days, a clip from the ULLU app’s reality show ‘House Arrest’ has sparked a major controversy on social media. The show is hosted by Ajaz Khan, a former Bigg Boss contestant who has also faced jail time. Just like his image, the reality show is filled with vulgar and adult content that many say is totally inappropriate for family viewing.

‘House Arrest’ has been criticized for promoting obscenity. The show includes explicit discussions on topics like the Kamasutra and adultery. Viewers say this is not entertainment but a serious concern, especially for young audiences. Even the participants in the show are part of this obscene display, making it a nightmare for parents trying to shield their children from such exposure.

A particular clip from one of the episodes has received heavy backlash from the public. People are calling the show “degrading,” “disturbing,” and “beyond vulgar.” In fact, a legal complaint has been filed against the makers of ‘House Arrest’. Despite this, the content is still available online, and many citizens are asking why there has been no serious censorship or strict action taken yet.

This is not the first time that an OTT show has caused public anger. Just before this, another show, ‘India’s Got Latent’, was banned after it aired inappropriate remarks. Its hosts were even booked legally. But in the case of ‘House Arrest’, no such strong action has been seen so far. Experts say this is because India still lacks clear monitoring and regulation of OTT platforms.

The Role of Cheap Internet and Unfiltered Access

With cheap 4G and 5G internet, anyone, be it a child or an elderly person, can easily access OTT platforms anytime, anywhere. This easy access means adult content is just a click away. Many of these platforms don’t even require strict age verification, making it even more dangerous. This lack of content control has become a major threat to society’s cultural values and the safety of young viewers.

On April 28th, the Supreme Court of India took note of this issue and raised serious concerns about the spread of pornographic content on OTT and social media platforms. The court issued a notice to the Central Government, asking it to regulate and ban such content from popular apps and websites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ULLU, ALTT, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).

In response, the Central Government assured the court that it is planning to make the rules stricter in the future. The aim is to prevent vulgar content from being streamed openly and to create a safer digital environment for all age groups.

It’s Not Just ULLU

ULLU is not the only platform under the scanner. Several other apps like Kooku, Prime Flix, Nuefliks, AltBalaji, Rabbit Movies, and Hotshots are also known for promoting adult web series and films. Even big names like Raj Kundra and Ekta Kapoor have been associated with platforms serving bold and objectionable content. These apps release bold series without much scrutiny or guidelines.

Easy Access, Big Problem

These apps are usually very cheap to subscribe to, unlike major OTT platforms such as Netflix or Amazon Prime. This makes them easily available to people of all age groups, increasing the risk of minors consuming inappropriate material. As a result, these apps are gaining popularity not because of quality content but due to their cheap pricing and lack of restrictions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, OTT platforms saw a massive rise in popularity in India. With India being the second-largest internet market globally, people across the country have turned to digital streaming services. In 2023, the Indian government blocked 18 OTT apps under Section 69A of the IT Act for serving obscene content. Yet, the issue remains far from resolved.

Latest Advisory by Modi Government

On February 20, 2025, in the wake of the Ranveer Allahabadia–Samay Raina scandal, the Modi Government sent a strict advisory to all OTT platforms, asking them to stop publishing vulgar or obscene content. The government made it clear that such acts are punishable under several laws, including Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, POCSO Act, and IT Act.

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has also spoken out strongly against the ULLU app and its show ‘House Arrest’. The association said such content is a direct attack on Indian culture. The AICWA president urged the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, Women’s Commission, Child Rights Commission, and the Maharashtra Chief Minister to take strict action against the app and its creators.

The rise of OTT platforms has given viewers more freedom, but it has also come with serious consequences. Without proper monitoring and regulation, vulgar content is spreading unchecked, putting children and teenagers at risk. While the Supreme Court and the government have finally started to take action, it is now up to regulators and society as a whole to restore control, protect cultural values, and ensure digital safety for all.

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