Kobali Web Series – Has OTT Sunk Into Filth?

The OTT space has emerged as a parallel industry to the theatrical system in India, becoming the biggest dent in theatrical collections. There is now a clear divide between theatrical and OTT viewing, as audiences decide which titles to wait for on streaming platforms. However, looking at the Telugu OTT space, it’s saddening to see the filth creeping into it. Take the most recent Telugu web series, Kobali, streaming on Hotstar, for example.

Kobali on Disney+ Hotstar is filled with unnecessary, crude language, with dialogues inserted for no reason.

Characters randomly start using all kinds of filthy language. While OTT audiences already have to deal with mediocrity and poor content, one wonders why there is a need for such excessive profanity and harsh dialogues, making it awkward for families trying to watch a show like Kobali together.

Many Telugu makers, including this one, seem more focused on shock value and attracting youth rather than creating engaging, high-quality web series.

They believe that simply injecting filthy language and having actors mouth vulgar dialogues in the name of ruggedness will work. Instead of prioritizing quality writing or drawing inspiration from the best shows—some of which may contain steamy scenes or strong language—they resort to cheap tricks that neither work nor attract viewers.

At the end of the day, these filmmakers need to focus on content, improve their writing, and refine their craft instead of relying on excessive profanity for no reason.

Kobali is not the only example, just the latest one—a perfect waste of time. One can’t help but wonder why such an extremely poorly written and directed web series needed so much crude language in the first place.