At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, veteran actor Manisha Koirala and celebrated filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane delved into the transformation of the entertainment landscape by streaming platforms. Their session, titled From Big Screen to Streaming, was an insightful exchange of views on cinema’s evolution and the opportunities created by digital platforms.
Manisha Koirala shared her perspective on the shifting entertainment dynamics. Reflecting on her role in Netflix’s globally successful series Heeramandi, she described it as the most elaborate set she had ever worked on in her 30-year career. “The effort, sincerity, and mindset required for both theatrical releases and OTT projects are the same,” Koirala noted. She emphasized how streaming services are making diverse content accessible to audiences, allowing her to binge-watch some of her favorite shows.
Koirala also addressed the hesitation some actors still face regarding OTT projects, explaining that any new platform initially encounters resistance. However, she believes this reluctance will diminish over time, citing how stars like Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have embraced OTT with success.
Vikramaditya Motwane highlighted the advantages of streaming platforms, particularly their flexibility in storytelling. Comparing his experience across formats, he noted that OTT offers greater freedom in language and narrative depth, while theatrical films are often tailored for mass appeal due to budget and time constraints. “Shooting ten episodes of Jubilee in 90 days or Sacred Games in 80 days required instinctive decisions,” Motwane explained.
Motwane emphasized the creative challenge of sustaining quality across multiple seasons, adding, “Streaming is new in India, and we’re still learning to build on it.” Despite these challenges, he acknowledged the unique appeal of OTT in enabling private and family-friendly viewing experiences.
Both Koirala and Motwane agreed that streaming platforms have opened doors for older actors and unconventional storytelling. Koirala pointed out the changing landscape of roles for women, particularly older actresses, while Motwane praised how OTT has empowered emerging filmmakers, writers, and actors.
The duo concluded that a balance between theatrical releases and OTT content would create the best of both worlds. “Cinema will always have its magic,” Motwane added, “but streaming is undeniably a game-changer.”
Credit: This article is based on information from the discussion at the 55th IFFI 2024 and related reports from media coverage of the event.
Key Highlights:
- Manisha Koirala emphasized the equal effort required for OTT and theatrical projects, citing Heeramandi as a landmark experience in her career.
- Vikramaditya Motwane highlighted the creative freedoms of OTT while addressing the challenges of sustaining quality across seasons.
- Both speakers noted how OTT is reshaping storytelling and offering opportunities for diverse talent while complementing the magic of cinema.