“I’ve had the chance to act in films and on web, so for me, there’s a natural affinity for both. I don’t really look at one as a downgrade or the other as an upgrade. I’m a consumer of both, and also a contributor, so it’s very difficult for me to have a natural preference. I feel certain films don’t end up getting their due in theatres because they don’t get enough run time, or enough marketing resources, or varied other things. For me, as a consumer, I have an opinion. I want to consume and watch films, shows, interesting content. Since I’m not able to watch them in the theatres, I’d watch them on my TV screen or laptops,” said ‘Made In Heaven‘ fame, Shobita Dhulipala.
“Everyone is looking out for themselves, which is understandable. The whole theatre thing is a big question mark right now, while distributors are suffering. A film which is ready technically, theatrically — the lockdown has changed everything. I personally love OTT platforms, and watch most of my stuff on it. I really don’t feel anything wrong in the producers and makers taking this decision together. Right now, distributors are at the receiving end. Rather than letting everyone suffer, somebody can get their money back if they have a deal. Cinema is very experiential. It’s about experiencing something on a 70mm screen. That’s irreplaceable. But practically speaking, I also feel that OTT has worked out very well, in terms of my work reaching a lot of people, which I feel is always somewhat limited in Bollywood,” expressed ‘Four More Shorts Please!’ actress Kriti Kulhari.
Keeping in mind the current scenario, it’s wise to opt for an OTT release but this does not mean that over-the-top platforms will replace cinema. It will merely add another option! This is what we feel. What’s your take? Let us know.