Hansal Mehta’s Shahid has arrived on Prime Video nearly 13 years after its theatrical release, bringing the acclaimed film to a wider streaming audience. Its digital debut has also prompted writer-editor Apurva M Asrani to ask why a film that won two National Awards remained absent from OTT platforms for so long.

In a post on X, Asrani welcomed the film’s availability and reflected on its subject: Shahid Azmi, the Mumbai lawyer and human rights activist who defended people accused under terror laws and argued for due process. Asrani raised questions about whether the political climate and the space available for stories about dissent had played a part in the film’s long wait for a streaming home.

He did not offer evidence establishing why Shahid was unavailable on OTT. His comments framed the delay as a question, rather than a confirmed explanation. Asrani also thanked Prime Video and said the film remained important to him as a co-writer and editor.

Why did Shahid take so long to reach OTT?

The film’s absence had concerned director Hansal Mehta years before its Prime Video debut. In 2022, Mehta said he did not know who owned the film’s rights or where its original version was. He described its lack of streaming availability as a personal tragedy for those who worked on it and for Shahid Azmi.

Mehta’s earlier remarks point to unanswered questions about the film’s availability, but neither his comments nor Asrani’s new post establish a definitive reason for the 13-year gap. The Prime Video release now gives viewers a chance to discover or revisit a film that had been difficult to access through streaming.

The story and acclaim behind Shahid

Released in theatres on October 18, 2013, Shahid stars Rajkummar Rao as Shahid Azmi, who was assassinated in 2010. The supporting cast includes Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Prabhleen Sandhu and Baljinder Kaur. Its screenplay was written by Sameer Gautam Singh and Asrani, who also edited the film.

Shahid premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and was later screened at several other festivals. At the 61st National Film Awards, Mehta won Best Direction, while Rao shared the Best Actor honour.

The film’s arrival on Prime Video closes a long gap between its theatrical release and digital availability. Asrani’s question about the timing remains open, but audiences can now watch the performances and story that made Shahid one of the most discussed films of Mehta and Rao’s careers.