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Miranda House Issues Legal Notice to Amazon Prime’s ‘Ziddi Girls’: Demands Trailer Removal and Preview Screening

Reporter 21
27 Feb, 2025

A major controversy has erupted as Miranda House, a prestigious women’s college of Delhi University, has issued a legal notice to Amazon Prime Video regarding its upcoming series, Ziddi Girls. The college administration alleges that the series’ fictional institution, Matilda House (MH), bears an “unmistakable resemblance” to Miranda House and presents a distorted, inappropriate portrayal of the college and its students.

Miranda House’s Strong Objections

The legal notice, sent through a Delhi University-empaneled lawyer, has demanded immediate action from the makers of Ziddi Girls, including:

Removing the first trailer of the series, which contains alleged objectionable content.
Editing the show to eliminate references to ‘MH’ (which resembles Miranda House’s initials).
Changing the fictional college’s name by dropping the word ‘House.’
Providing a pre-release screening for the Miranda House administration and student representatives before its scheduled launch on February 27.

The college administration and students argue that while the makers claim the show is fictional, the similarities to Miranda House are too stark to ignore. Ziddi Girls, directed by Miranda House alumna Shonali Bose, is set in Matilda House and follows the lives of its students. While the plot details remain under wraps, the portrayal of women and the institution itself in the original trailer has drawn severe criticism.

A Committee Formed to Address the Issue

In response to the growing outrage, an eight-member committee, led by Miranda House Principal Prof. Bijayalaxmi Nanda, was formed to evaluate the situation. Student representatives were also included in the decision-making process, ensuring that their concerns were heard.

The committee strongly criticized the first trailer, highlighting scenes that they claim depict women in a negative, regressive, and stereotypical light. While a revised trailer has since been released, the original problematic version remains online, which has further fueled tensions.

“The college has officially requested that the first trailer be removed entirely and that all references to ‘MH’ be eliminated,” said a senior official.

As of now, Amazon Prime and the series’ creators have not issued a formal response to the legal notice. The college remains firm on its stance and is prepared to escalate the matter further if their demands are not met.

Shonali Bose Responds: “No Betrayal of My College”

Director Shonali Bose, when contacted by The Indian Express, dismissed concerns of misrepresentation. She urged people to watch the show before making judgments and insisted that Ziddi Girls does not “betray” Miranda House in any way.

“A little over 24 hours to the show. Please watch. No betrayal of my college whatsoever. Nothing regressive in it….” – Shonali Bose

However, many students and faculty members remain unconvinced, arguing that the influence of Hollywood-inspired storytelling in such series is promoting inappropriate behavior among teenagers. They believe that Indian cultural values and educational institutions should not be misrepresented for entertainment purposes.

The Bigger Issue: Hollywood Influence and Cultural Concerns

This controversy has sparked a wider debate about the influence of Hollywood-style narratives on Indian youth. Critics argue that films and web series increasingly depict college life in an exaggerated, unrealistic manner, which could negatively impact teenagers’ perceptions of education, relationships, and personal values.

Many parents and educators believe that such content, under the guise of freedom of speech, is eroding traditional Indian values. They argue that if filmmakers are inspired by Hollywood, they should also be mindful of the social and cultural responsibility that comes with representing an esteemed institution like Miranda House.

Potential Consequences and Public Reactions

The issue has gone viral on social media, with divided opinions:

Students and alumni of Miranda House are demanding accountability from the filmmakers, arguing that their alma mater should not be used for controversial storytelling.
Supporters of free speech believe that creative liberty should be respected, and the college should not assume ownership over any representation that may seem similar to its identity.
Educationists and parents are concerned about the impact of such content on young audiences and want stricter regulations on how educational institutions are portrayed in films and web series.

Will Amazon Prime Remove the Trailer? What Happens Next?

With the show set to release on February 27, all eyes are now on Amazon Prime Video and the producers of Ziddi Girls.

If the legal notice does not receive a response soon, Miranda House may pursue further legal action or escalate the issue to higher authorities, including the University of Delhi and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A potential court battle could delay or even halt the release of the show.

The controversy surrounding Ziddi Girls raises important questions about responsible filmmaking, cultural representation, and the fine line between fiction and real-life influence. While artistic freedom is vital, it must be balanced with respect for institutions, culture, and societal values.

Final Thoughts: Where Does This Leave Us?

The debate around Ziddi Girls is far from over. Whether Amazon Prime will comply with Miranda House’s demands or stand by its content remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that this issue has sparked a larger conversation about how media shapes young minds and cultural narratives.

As Ziddi Girls gears up for its premiere, will the demands of Miranda House be met, or will this controversy only fuel the show’s popularity? Only time will tell.