OTT platforms the next big thing?

Taking an idea to the masses has always been evolving isn’t it? From theatre plays to black and white cinema to digital platforms, people have always welcomed the change. Now I believe it is the time for filmmakers to cash in on the trend of making content for OTT platforms. My last film RK Nagar was directly released on Netflix and I have an upcoming web series with Venkat Prabhu. I am sure that OTT will make the best of cellphone technology in the next five years. It is because there are films that are being made for theatrical experience. Can you imagine watching a film like Baahubali or 2.0 on mobile phones? We shouldn’t forget that filmmaking too is evolving and films will be made on a bigger and better scale in the second half of this decade that will be a pleasure to watch ‘only in theatres’.

With the digital space booming, I knew I had to be a part of this revolution. I think being a part of The Family Man 2 is my first step. Digital space has a new set of audience and I am excited that they would see my work as well now.  The role I play for the show is diametrically different from anything I have done before. It will certainly surprise and delight my fans.

The OTT platform is also the new playground for accomplished actors like myself looking to break new ground with more challenging roles outside the two-hour cinematic timeframe. I love to get under the skin of characters I essay, and hence the longer web series format is the perfect medium to showcase my skills as it is almost like doing five films at one go. There are lots of detailing and one can explore the character in depth. Audiences today want to consume more quality content that has a global appeal. If your story is original, contemporary and relatable, then the appreciation from the audience is spontaneous. I’m open to exploring more of these opportunities going forward.

Foraying into the digital platform is definitely exciting. Web series is not only the next big thing. I would say, it is the need of the hour. These days, films struggle to have a theatrical release. With the advancement in technologies, content releasing on OTT platforms is the future. Meanwhile, theatres will also thrive as leading actors’ films in the last decade have been attracting major crowds. However, a lot of small and medium budget films with lesser known star cast and good content have faded away. Digital platform is a place for such experimental stories and will also pave way for many new talents to showcase their skills. The footfall in theatres has gone down of late. The audience nowadays go by the teaser and trailer of a film to judge if the film will keep them engrossed. Also, watching acontent on OTT platform is really flexible. Curbing piracy is now possible with the existence of OTT platforms and experimental content that producers think will not be commercially viable can be released here.

To me acting is the same irrespective of the medium. It doesn’t make a difference in being featured in the big screen or in a digital medium. The only difference is that a feature film must convey a character graph in two and a half hours while a web series can play around with the character and make it more interesting across 10 episodes. Digital medium has that advantage over films. When I listened to my role in the series, we ensured that it shouldn’t go overboard and make it look as natural as possible. Also, in future, digital medium too could be recognised the way films are recognised. There could be a separate award category for content on digital platforms too. However, the acceptance of the audience that matters at the end of the day.