Anurag Kashyap, the celebrated filmmaker known for his gritty and realistic portrayal of Indian society, has recently voiced his disappointment with the current state of over-the-top (OTT) platforms in India. Kashyap, who once saw streaming services as a beacon of creative freedom, now believes that they are "dumbing down" content and prioritizing subscriptions over artistic expression.
In a recent interview, Kashyap expressed his disillusionment with the content being produced by major streaming players like Netflix and Amazon Prime, stating that it has become "worse than television". He argues that these platforms, driven by algorithms and the pursuit of maximizing subscriber numbers, are increasingly hesitant to take risks and are instead focusing on creating generic content that appeals to the widest possible audience. According to Kashyap, the emphasis on subscriptions leads to a desire to avoid offending anyone, stifling creativity and resulting in a homogenization of content.
Kashyap points out that the executives at the helm of these OTT platforms often lack a background in cinema, coming instead from the television industry. He suggests that their primary focus is on increasing subscriber numbers, which leads them to "dumb down" the content to appeal to a broader audience. He also criticizes the high salaries and lifestyles of these executives, implying that they are more concerned with maintaining their positions than fostering genuine creativity.
The director reminisced on his initial collaborations with Netflix for projects like 'Sacred Games' and 'Lust Stories,' recalling a time when these platforms seemed to offer a genuine opportunity for filmmakers to create unique and compelling work. However, he notes a shift around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, with platforms becoming more risk-averse and focused on data-driven decision-making.
Kashyap's critique extends to the broader Hindi film industry, which he has also expressed "disgust" with. He has announced his intention to move away from Mumbai, citing the industry's focus on remakes and lack of originality. He believes that the OTT platforms, rather than disrupting this trend, have largely adopted a similar approach, favoring "tried-and-tested content" over innovative storytelling.
Despite his criticism, Kashyap remains optimistic about the future of filmmaking. He believes that the current situation is unsustainable and that eventually, the "bubble will burst," creating an opportunity for independent filmmakers to once again thrive. He anticipates a "golden age" of cinema after the industry hits "rock bottom," suggesting a cyclical nature to creative expression and commercial interests. He also mentioned that he went into depression after his adaptation of 'Maximum City' was cancelled by a streaming platform last minute. This affected him and pushed him towards alcohol. The filmmaker revealed that he took some acting jobs to fund his daughter.
