Actress and director Lillete Dubey discusses the evolving landscape of cinema in an interview with Bangalore Times. She highlights how OTT platforms have allowed filmmakers to explore complex and diverse subjects, moving beyond traditional notions of glamour and star power. The rise of OTT has led to a richer storytelling experience with characters in shades of grey, catering to a wide range of audiences across different settings. Dubey emphasizes that acting is no longer solely about looks and star power, as exceptional talent is now being recognized on OTT platforms for their performances rather than their physical appearance. Audiences today demand well-crafted stories and nuanced performances, reflecting a more sophisticated taste shaped by increased exposure to cable TV, international travel, and OTT platforms. The success of certain blockbusters and the struggles of others demonstrate this shift in audience preferences towards captivating storytelling and powerful performances.Recently, there has been a surge in international travel over the past 10-15 years, followed by the rise of OTT platforms that have raised viewers' expectations. People are no longer satisfied with just accepting what is readily available. Audiences now crave well-crafted narratives and nuanced performances, not just from Hollywood but also from Indian cinema. This shift has pushed everyone in the industry to improve their standards. Theatres are facing a dilemma as the audience now has a wealth of content available at home on various platforms. This raises the question of why they should spend money on tickets, concessions, and travel to watch an average film in theaters. However, the experience of a mega-blockbuster with its grand sequences and action scenes still holds appeal for viewers. Theatres find themselves in a difficult situation where empty seats lead to movies being pulled early for release on OTT platforms, while audiences are hesitant to go out knowing that these movies will eventually be available online. The industry must adapt to meet the changing demands of the audience and offer exceptional experiences that make the cost of a theatrical outing worthwhile.