Growing up, going to the movie theater was the main way we enjoyed films; it was magical watching stories come to life on the big screen. It was the same for Indians and everyone else in love with Bollywood flicks. Back then, most homes in India had a small 20-inch screen with a single channel that showed one old movie every Sunday. Today, everything has changed.
TVs are now over 50 inches, and we have countless movie channels, though their quality varies. The biggest change, however, has been the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. These platforms let viewers choose from a wide range of movies at any time, pause them, and resume watching whenever they want.
Fans of Bollywood, inside and outside India, have many streaming platforms available to them.
A survey found that approximately 74.8% of respondents would watch movie premieres on OTT platforms, while 25.2% would prefer cinemas. This preference for OTT platforms reflects their significant impact on the entertainment industry.
This convenience is making it tough for average movies to compete. Considering the high costs of movie tickets, snacks, parking, and gas, many people prefer watching movies at home, especially genres like rom-coms. Cinemas are adapting to this shift by creating films specifically for streaming platforms. Interestingly, these movies made for streaming are often really good.
New Platforms For Unique Movies
Are streaming platforms changing Bollywood? Absolutely.
They’re opening up new opportunities for filmmakers, actors, and writers in Bollywood to tackle once-off-limits topics. With OTT services, creators can explore a wider range of themes, including those previously ignored because they were considered too controversial for the big screen.
Netflix has hundreds of Indian (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu & others) titles available to them.
As one industry insider shared:
OTT platforms are expanding the producer and director’s ability to explore different genres, allowing them unprecdented freedom to tell new stories. If one producer rejects a project, there are five other OTT platforms ready to pick it up. There are new opportunities for films about social issues or political thrillers that were once put on hold.
OTT isn’t just about new content; it’s also reshaping Bollywood fame. Some actors who didn’t quite break through in traditional cinema now find fame and build their brands on streaming platforms. Meanwhile, Bollywood’s biggest stars also embrace OTT to reach new audiences globally.
For example, there are plenty of exciting options, from the thriller “Shaitaan” to the dramatic series “Heeramandi.” These fresh releases on streaming platforms make perfect additions to your binge-watch list. Here’s a look at the latest OTT offerings for the week:
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar – Netflix
A still from the hit Netflix series Heeramandi that premiered earlier this May on the platform.
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, “Heeramandi” is an 8-episode web series set in the 1940s during India’s freedom struggle. The series weaves tales of love, power, revenge, and liberty, starring Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, and others.
Laapata Ladies -Netflix
A screenshot from Laapata Ladies on Netflix.
Even though this movie was first released in theaters, it became hype after it was released on Netflix. You Should Read how it is now in the Global Top 10 films with 3 7M views on Netflix.
The movie Laapataa Ladies follows two young brides, Phool and Jaya, who lose their way from their husbands during a train journey in rural India in 2001. Alone and adrift, they stumble through humorous and chaotic misadventures. It captures their journey into independence as they navigate unfamiliar situations.
Shaitan – Netflix
R. Madhavan looking downright diabolical in this still from Shaitan on Netflix.
Shaitan, the Hindi remake of the Gujarati movie “Vash,” is on Netflix. Starring R Madhavan and Jyothika, the film was produced with a ₹65 crore budget by Jio Studios and Ajay Devgn Films.
Manjummel Boys – Disney Hotstar
Manjummel Boys has managed to bring some true events to life on the screen. All thanks to Disney Hotstar.
The Malayalam drama “Manjummel Boys” is streaming on Disney Hotstar. Directed by Chidambaram and starring Soubin Shahir, the film is inspired by true events involving a group of friends and their misadventures in Guna caves.
The Broken News 2 – Zee5
It’s an honor and a pleasure to see Sonali Bendre in her come back role on streaming on Broken News 2.
The Broken News 2, released on ZEE5, continues to explore the news reporting world. Directed by Vinay Waikul and featuring Sonali Bendre and Jaideep Ahlawat, the season focuses on Radha’s (Shriya Pilgaonkar) quest for vengeance after being wrongly accused of terrorism.
How Streaming Platforms are Changing in Bollywood’s Script
During the COVID-19 pandemic, streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar have seen a surge in popularity in India, significantly altering Bollywood’s operations.
The pandemic severely impacted India’s film industry, halting many productions and closing cinemas. This led producers to turn to streaming platforms as a vital alternative for revenue. Film critic Himesh Mankad noted to DW that OTT platforms were a blessing, freeing up locked funds and keeping the industry afloat.
Indeed, the emergence of OTT (over-the-top) platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime is reshaping the traditional movie theater experience in various ways:
- Convenience: OTT platforms offer the flexibility to watch movies at home on one’s schedule, reducing the need to visit a theater.
- Release Timing: Films are often available on OTT platforms shortly after their theatrical debut, or they bypass theaters altogether, lessening the need to see a film in the cinema to avoid spoilers or feel part of the cultural conversation.
- Content Variety: With many films and shows across different genres and languages, OTT platforms provide more options than the limited selection in theaters. By 2025, consumption of regional languages on OTT platforms will surpass 50% of the total time spent, exceeding Hindi at 45%.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Streaming services generally cost less per movie than buying theater tickets and paying for snacks, making watching at home economically attractive. India has over 40 OTT platforms with subscription costs ranging from Rs. 129 per month to Rs. 999 per year, providing a cheaper alternative to buying movie tickets.
- Social Experience: While theaters are traditionally social venues for watching films with others, home viewing parties are becoming increasingly popular, offering a comparable social experience.
Global Reach of OTT Platforms
OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime are changing how Indians watch TV by bringing in high-quality content worldwide. Film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi notes that this exposure raises viewers’ expectations and pushes Indian filmmakers to improve their work.
Indian offerings on Amazon Prime Video.
According to screenwriter Banerjee, these platforms are also making it easier to access regional Indian cinema, previously overlooked, offering a wider variety of shows and movies.
“Films like ‘Sooryavanshi,’ ‘Pushpa,’ and ’83’ highlight the unique magic of theaters that OTT cannot replicate—you go to theaters for the experience, not just the film,” he concluded.
While OTT platforms provide the convenience of watching content anytime, they haven’t replaced the unique experience of watching a movie in theaters, especially big-star films that draw large crowds.
OTT has already started to reshape Bollywood, with many new releases premiering online. However, industry experts believe theaters will continue to thrive, offering a special viewing experience that OTT cannot match.
