Ever since the lockdown in March 2020 the concept of going to theatres to watch a movie has been done away with, and many other things including shootings for films and shows had come to a halt. While this hibernation mode many of our filmmakers found a shelter for their films on the OTT space. Yes, it all started with late actor Irrfan Khan and Radhika Madan’s film Angrezi Medium releasing on the digital platform. Even though the film had a short-lived theatrical release, it was the first one to set way for many filmmakers to have an independent release of OTT platforms.
And while OTT opening up as an arena welcomed many more films like Ayushmann Khurrana-Amitabh Bachchan’s Gulaabo Sitaabo, late Sushant Singh Rajputs Dil Bechara, Vidya Balan’s Shakuntala Devi, Kunal Kemmu’s Lootcase, Janhvi Kapoor’s Gunjan Saxena and many more, there is a big line up gearing up to have showcase their work on this newly emerged platform. Some other films that are up for release on the OTT space include Sara Ali Khan-Varun Dhawan starrer Coolie No.1, Ishaan Khatter-Ananya Pandey starrer Khaali Peeli, Akshay Kumar’s Laxmmi Bomb, Ajay Devgn’s Bhuj: The Pride of India, Alia Bhatt- Aditya Roy Kapur’s Sadak 2, Ludo, Mimi, etc. And this transition has not just been happening in Bollywood but also in the South industry.
With so many filmmakers taking shelter on the OTT space, many actors have confidently pointed out in the past, that even though OTT is a strong prospect of the future, it is not the sole future post the pandemic. In fact, some directors haven’t succumbed to this charm of OTT and have been patiently waiting for their films to release on the 70 mm once everything is back to normal. Some of such films that have not chosen to compromise of its cinematic scale are Akshay Kumar-Katrina Kaif’s cop drama Sooryavanshi, Ranveer Singh’s 83’ and even Kangana Ranaut’s Thalaivi. Now with things coming back to normal, these films have been gearing up to lock dates for a Christmas release, but many don’t know if the Corona Virus will be dealt by then.
Talking about OTT taking over the theatrical experience, senior journalist Akanksha Naval Shetye says, “It's safe to say that the audience will never give up the concept of theatrical experience because while actors are discovered on OTT platforms, stars are made in theatres. And besides good cinema audience will always want their dose of larger-than-life personas. Also, there will be films that are best enjoyed in a theatre, and that environment of watching something spectacular unfold on the 'big screen' is an experience in itself.”
Even though many films that have released on the OTT platforms have been sold for a whopping deal, their business at the box office has surely suffered. A few days ago, a media report had stated how some bog films were sold for whopping hundreds of crores, while some others for fewer crores, but what about the business at the ticket windows? Is it feasible to release films, giving up on that business aspect? Explaining the same, Akanksha opines, “As for the commercial viability of big films releasing on OTT, well, it’s a safer gamble, a safer risk! Bigger the film, higher the stakes. So while a big-budget film may not make as much money as it would have in a theatrical release on it being a hit, it doesn't stand to lose as much money as it would've flopped. Plus what's important to understand is that the pandemic situation is still an issue. Even if theatres were to open, there's no saying if it will see the same footfalls as earlier. It is a win-win for both commercially. But having said that, the charm of watching films meant for the big screen is certainly lost.” Well, OTT has surely grown bigger with time and with the lockdown to its advantage who knows what future holds for cinema. Only time will tell…
Written by Nawaz Kochra