Multiplexes Have Destroyed Cinema, OTTs Better?

Director Anurag Kashyap has always been open about his criticism of Bollywood. So much so that he even announced his desire to leave the Hindi film industry and make films in the South.

In a recent interview, the Gangs of Wasseypur director talked about how multiplexes and theatres have “destroyed” his movie-going experience. He now prefers attending film festivals for a better viewing experience.

He said that he got into filmmaking primarily because he loved watching films on the big screen. But in recent times, he no longer enjoys it due to the high number of ads that interrupt his viewing experience.

When asked about the future of independent films, Anurag Kashyap said that he has stopped looking ahead. He can only speak about the problems that he and other filmmakers currently face.

Watching a movie in a theatre is a communal experience. Laughing, crying, and whistling at a film with a bunch of strangers and sharing that moment with so many people isn’t something one can experience when watching films on OTT platforms.

With the advent of OTT, watching films has become a more intimate and isolating process and a much-preferred one for many.

To keep up with declining demand, theatres have to compensate for their expenses through higher ticket prices, expensive food, and excessive advertising.

Last week, a man in Bengaluru even sued PVR-INOX for wasting 25 minutes on advertisements!

Film festivals don’t play ads like commercial theatres do, ensuring an uninterrupted movie-watching experience. However, the same cannot be done with commercial films, as numerous advertisers sponsor both the films and the theatres.

There doesn’t seem to be a solution for this in the near future, but hopefully, one will emerge.