Actress and director Lillete Dubey discusses the shift in the film industry, emphasizing that the era of glamour and star power dominating cinema is over. In an interview with Bangalore Times, she explores the changing landscape of acting, the influence of OTT platforms, and their impact on audience preferences. Dubey highlights how OTT platforms provide filmmakers the freedom to address complex and previously unexplored themes. The diversity of content available appeals to various audiences, offering stories with nuanced characters rather than clear-cut good versus bad archetypes. She notes the emergence of exceptional talent showcased on OTT platforms, demonstrating that talent and performance quality now supersede physical appearance in acting. While acknowledging the continued presence of glamorous, star-driven cinema, she points out that diverse genres and entertainment formats can coexist. The success of certain big-budget films and the challenges faced by others reflect the evolving tastes of audiences, influenced by exposure to cable TV, international travel, and the rise of OTT platforms. Audiences today seek well-crafted narratives and nuanced performances, creating an environment where skilled theater actors can excel. This evolution showcases a more sophisticated audience demanding high-quality storytelling in today's cinematic landscape.Subsequently, there has been a surge in international travel over the last decade, transforming viewers' preferences. Nowadays, audiences have become more discerning and no longer settle for mediocre content; they now seek well-crafted narratives and nuanced performances, not only from Hollywood films but also from Indian cinema. This shift has prompted everyone in the industry to elevate their standards. As a result, theaters find themselves in a challenging situation. With a vast array of content available right at their fingertips, audiences question the need to leave the comfort of their homes and incur expenses on movie tickets, snacks, and transportation for an average film. This dilemma remains valid except for major blockbusters, where the immersive big-screen experience is essential for high-octane action sequences. As a consequence, theaters face a conundrum. Decreased attendance leads to studios pulling films from theaters prematurely and opting to release them on over-the-top platforms. Conversely, audiences are hesitant to visit theaters knowing that the same films will eventually be available on streaming services. To stay relevant, the industry must adapt to the changing audience expectations and provide extraordinary experiences that justify the cost of a cinematic outing.