Shabana Azmi: OTT Platforms Need to Break Free from Formulaic Trends
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Synopsis
Shabana Azmi critiques the current trend in OTT platforms, emphasizing the need for originality over formulaic approaches. She believes that meaningful cinema still holds value as it transitions from mainstream to digital, encouraging platforms to embrace creativity and develop new stars.
Key Takeaways
- Shabana Azmi emphasizes the need for originality in OTT content.
- She believes meaningful cinema has a place in today’s market.
- OTT platforms should focus on creativity rather than established stars.
- Films on OTT have longer shelf lives, allowing for diverse storytelling.
- Shabana encourages a departure from predictable formulas.
New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) National Award-winning actress Shabana Azmi, known for her performances in digital series like “The Empire” and “Dabba Cartel”, expressed her concern that OTT platforms are falling into a predictable formula that they must abandon in favor of original storytelling instead of pursuing star power.
When asked about the relevance of meaningful and socially conscious cinema in today’s entertainment landscape, Shabana stated to IANS: “Absolutely, as it seems to be shifting from traditional cinema to OTT.”
“People are thinking, ‘Why spend so much on a theater ticket when we can watch it in three months?’ This shift is certainly influencing content,” added the actress, who attended the launch of Antara AGEasy, a comprehensive platform for senior citizens.
Shabana pointed out that while OTT platforms provide an avenue for diverse narratives, they have started to adhere to certain conventional structures, potentially stifling creativity.
“Regrettably, OTTs are also adopting a formulaic approach that they should move away from, rather than chasing after established stars. What’s the purpose? You possess the ability to cultivate new talent,” remarked the actress.
“Why chase after big names? That wasn’t your initial goal. They need to return to that. Remember, OTT films don’t rely on first-week box office figures. They have a much longer lifespan for recouping costs, providing ample creative freedom.”
On the film front, the 74-year-old actress, with over 160 films to her credit, was last featured in “Ghoomer”, a sports drama directed by R. Balki, which also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher, and Angad Bedi.
