Actress and director Lillete Dubey discusses the evolving landscape of acting and the impact of OTT platforms in a recent conversation with Bangalore Times. She emphasizes that the days of glamour and star power dominating the screen are over, with OTT platforms providing filmmakers the freedom to explore complex and diverse subjects that cater to a more sophisticated audience. This shift has led to a richer storytelling experience, with characters portrayed in shades of grey rather than simple good or bad personas. The variety of content available on these platforms caters to a wide range of viewers, from rural to urban settings and across different age groups. Dubey notes that while there is still space for glamorous, star-driven cinema, the rise of OTT platforms has highlighted exceptional talent that relies more on performance than physical appearance. Audiences today demand well-crafted stories and nuanced performances, which has created a platform for theatre actors to showcase their skills and excel in this new era of storytelling.With the explosion of international travel over the past decade or so, viewers' expectations have been further refined by OTT platforms. Audiences are no longer satisfied with mediocre offerings and now seek well-crafted stories and nuanced performances, not only from Hollywood but also from Indian films. This shift has raised the bar for everyone involved in movie-making. The situation facing theatres is a tricky one: with a plethora of content available at our fingertips, it's no wonder that people hesitate to leave the comfort of their own homes and spend money on tickets, snacks, and transportation for a subpar film. However, the allure of a mega-blockbuster with its thrilling sequences and action scenes can still draw audiences to the big screen. The challenge lies in the fact that empty theatre seats lead studios to release films on OTT platforms sooner, and audiences are reluctant to go to theatres knowing that the same films will eventually be available online. The industry must adapt to the changing audience preferences and offer exceptional experiences that warrant the cost of a trip to the movies.