When the lockdown was imposed and the films started opting for a direct-to-digital release a big debate sprang up on OTT vs theatres. But the buzz of that debate has now reduced considerably. If retrospectively thought, the debates all centered around one main issue of OTTs gaining on the loss of theatres, during the time when they were shut down indefinitely.
Come to think of it now, is the comparison between OTTs and cinemas really valid? Aren’t they two completely different mediums of entertainment? True, that for a period of time OTTs did what theatres have done for a very long time and it was obvious for them to feel insecure. More so because they could see the shift happening and that it could stay for a long term.
The reason why comparing OTT platforms and theatres is something like comparing apples to oranges are as follows –
Type of content –
The only from of content theatres are designed to offer are films while the OTTs are based on a completely different model having a much wider range that includes not only films, but web series, documentary, sports and more. So how do you compare two things working on two totally different formats? It’s like comparing a two wheeler and a four wheeler, while both serve the same purpose and yet are poles apart.
The scale and size –
Theatres were meant to provide an overall cinematic viewing experience that is possible on a large screen and it’s that same experience that brings back the customers. When it comes to OTTs, their agenda is to gain and retain as many subscribers as possible and hence providing a huge content library that can be binge watched. So both of are big in their own sense, depends on how one sees it.
The viewing experience –
The kind of overall cinematic experience is altogether different when it comes to watching on big screen. But then there is the advantage of getting to watch whatever you want at whatever time from the comfort of your home. That too counts under viewing experience, doesn’t it?
Time and money invested –
We pay for something accordingly and so is the case for OTTs and theatres. The kind of experience is different in both and so is the money and the time invested.
Theatres and OTTs co-existed before the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to do so in the future too. The current situation has no doubt has permanently altered the dynamics of their working environment but that does not mean one would wipe out the other. Though they both will have to adapt to accommodate as per the situation. After all everyone has subscription to one or the other OTT platform these days but none of us is gonna completely stop going to theatres!