Actress and director Lillete Dubey discusses the evolving landscape of cinema in a recent interview with Bangalore Times. She highlights the shift away from glamour and star power dominating the screen to a focus on complex and diverse storytelling in the age of OTT platforms. Dubey emphasizes that OTT has provided filmmakers with the freedom to explore intricate and previously unexplored subjects, resulting in richer narratives with morally ambiguous characters. She notes the breadth of content available on these platforms, catering to a wide range of audiences across different genres and settings. By showcasing exceptional talent and prioritizing storytelling over star appeal, OTT platforms are paving the way for a new era of captivating narratives and powerful performances. This shift reflects a more discerning audience seeking well-crafted stories and nuanced acting, as exposure to cable TV, international travel, and OTT has refined their tastes. While there is still a place for glamorous, star-driven cinema, the success of smaller, talent-focused productions indicates a changing audience landscape that values substance over style.With the recent surge in international travel over the past 10-15 years, followed by the impact of OTT platforms, viewers' preferences have evolved. No longer satisfied with subpar content, audiences now seek well-crafted narratives and nuanced performances, not only from Hollywood but also from Indian cinema. This shift has raised the bar for everyone in the industry.

The cinema industry is facing a dilemma. With abundant content available at our fingertips, many question the need to leave the comfort of home for a potentially average movie experience that includes high ticket prices, popcorn, and travel costs. However, the allure of a mega-blockbuster with its grand cinematic moments remains a driving force for going to the theaters. This has left theaters in a bind - empty seats prompt studios to release films on OTT platforms sooner, while audiences hesitate to go out knowing that most films will eventually be available online. To thrive in this changing landscape, the industry must adapt and provide exceptional experiences that justify the expense of a trip to the movies.