THE CINEMA SSIS BUSINESS NOT GOING ANYWHERE: AKSHAY KUMAR
While the actor agrees that OTT is a great alternative platgform in the current situation, he asserts that nothing can beat the experience of watching a film on the big screen
It’s not that OTT platforms weren’t gaining prominence, but the pandemic certainly gave them a boost. However, while several films that were made for theatrical release have taken the web route, actors still feel the cinema viewing experience is irreplaceable.
Actor Akshay Kumar, whose Sooryavanshi is awaiting a big-screen outing on Diwali, feels the OTT vs theatre debate doesn’t imply the cinema business is on the verge of dying. “I’m an optimist, always have been...nothing, and I mean it, nothing can beat the experience of watching a film on the big screen. I strongly believe movies jo hai, woh theatres ki first birthright hai,” he says. However, he adds that in the current situation, OTT is a great alternative platform. “Also, it’s helping producers — big and small — showcase their content to a large audience from the safety of their homes,” he says.
Kumar’s next, Laxmmi Bomb, is set to releasing digitally in November. Given that it was made for theatrical viewing, one wonders if there’s apprehension that audiences might miss the scale it’s made on? The actor shares, “I have mixed feelings. Of course, I’m a little sad that the audiences will not be able to enjoy our film on the big screen, like how it’s supposed to be, but at the same time, I’m also grateful for an alternative mass platform where my fans can still watch my films. So, the scale may not be the same, but OTT has pros like the audience viewing is no longer restricted to theatre show timings; they can watch the movie at any time, with a snack of their choice and create a virtual theatre experience at home.”
Since there’s no clarity on cinemas reopening, there’s speculation Sooryavanshi might also opt for direct-to-OTT release. We ask Kumar if he’d be okay with that or would the makers wait to release it in theatres. “I think it was a blessing in disguise to stall the release of the film when we did, because immediately we went into a lockdown. As for what happens next, I have full faith in the makers that they’ll take a decision in the best interest of the film and all parties concerned. I’m completely on board with whatever they decide,” he says.
There have been talks that OTT offers a level playing field for small films. Asked if he feels it might mark an end to the star culture, Kumar opines “that power” completely lies with the audience. “If they’re intrigued with the content you’ve created, they’ll watch it, be it in a theatre or on an OTT platform. So, keep doing good work and the rest will follow,” Kumar concludes.
Akshay Kumar feels it’s up to the audience if OTT will end star culture or not