Actress and director Lillete Dubey discusses the evolving landscape of cinema, emphasizing that the era of glamour and star power dominating the screen has passed. In a conversation with Bangalore Times, she explores the impact of OTT platforms on the industry, highlighting how they have allowed filmmakers to delve into complex and unexplored subjects. She notes that storytelling has become more nuanced, with characters displaying shades of grey rather than simply being portrayed as good or bad. The range of content available on OTT platforms is vast, catering to diverse audiences across rural and urban settings. Dubey praises the emergence of exceptional talent in the OTT space, emphasizing that physical appearance is no longer the sole focus, and actors are recognized for their acting prowess. She acknowledges that while glamorous, star-driven cinema still has its place, there is a growing demand for well-crafted stories and nuanced performances among audiences. This shift in audience preferences is attributed to increased exposure through cable TV, international travel, and the rise of OTT platforms. Dubey points out that today's audiences are sophisticated and seek out high-quality content, creating opportunities for talented actors with honed skills to excel in this new era of storytelling.The explosion of international travel in the past decade and a half has significantly influenced viewers' expectations, which have been further refined by OTT platforms. Audience members are now more discerning, seeking well-crafted narratives and nuanced performances not only in Hollywood but also in Indian cinema. This shift has compelled all industry stakeholders to enhance their offerings. The dilemma facing theaters is clear: with a plethora of content available at home, why incur the expenses of watching a movie in a cinema? Unless it's a major blockbuster with thrilling sequences and action scenes that demand a big-screen experience. As a result, theaters find themselves in a challenging position. Empty seats lead to early withdrawals of films for release on OTT platforms, while audiences are hesitant to visit theaters knowing that the same films will eventually be available online. Consequently, the industry must adapt to the changing audience preferences by creating extraordinary cinematic experiences that justify the cost of attending a movie screening.