When the OTTs started expanding, everyone thought that the entertainment scenario was going to change drastically. And it did, but who knew it would change for the worse.
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Despite the expansion of OTT platforms over the past five years, industry insiders have observed a contradictory decline in storytelling quality and opportunities.
Actor-producer Sohum Shah pointed out that while streaming services initially invested heavily in content, the lack of passion in many projects led to an eventual collapse of the ecosystem.
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This downturn has left numerous actors, writers, and technicians unemployed, even for already commissioned projects.
Reports suggest that several shows were shelved at the last minute due to budget negotiations between producers and streaming platforms.
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The problem was said to have intensified when OTT platforms prioritized big Bollywood filmmakers over independent creators.
As major directors shifted to OTT, huge budgets were allocated to star-studded productions. This drastically reduced the budgets for smaller projects.
A filmmaker noted that while industry veterans like Hansal Mehta were respected for their work, excessive spending on projects like Heeramandi had redirected funds that could have been invested in several mid-budget shows.
A writer revealed that their last commissioned show was in 2020, after which opportunities significantly declined. Many of their colleagues had been forced to switch careers or return home due to the lack of work.
The entertainment industry, once known for its resilience, is now controlled by fear rather than creativity and passion.
Actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub explained that OTT executives prioritized safe, marketable content and often selected casts based on popularity rather than talent.
He cited Paatal Lok as an example, explaining that if the show had failed, executives would have been questioned for casting Jaideep Ahlawat over a more recognizable star.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap criticized the lack of risk-taking among producers. He said that most of them are focused on getting more subscribers instead of storytelling.
OTT platforms have also influenced theatrical releases, pushing studios to tailor films for streaming rather than the big screen.
A filmmaker revealed that industry discussions now revolve around how movies will look on mobile screens, which often leads to creative compromises.
Many decision-makers at OTT platforms were also accused of lacking filmmaking expertise. These business executives without storytelling backgrounds often dismissed projects based solely on commercial viability.
As a result, OTT platforms now have immense control over content and industry professionals’ careers.
Many actors who featured in critically acclaimed series admitted that work had become scarce, and many are struggling to secure new projects.
While industry professionals are trying to be hopeful, many agree that the current slowdown has made survival increasingly challenging, both professionally and financially.
