Big Screen Survival With OTT Arrival?

Director R. Balki hints at the future of Cinema in the wake of the OTT. Will the Big Screen Survive?

Director R.Balki expressed his opinion at the IFFI 2022 at Goa about how filmmakers will have to reinvent themselves. He said “When anything comes to people easily why will they pay more and go to the theater to watch films… so you (the makers) have to create that much excitement for people that will literally push them to go out and enjoy films in theaters.”

The director of films like ‘Paa’, ‘Ki and Ka’ and ‘Padman’ is known for making content-rich cinema. His last release ‘Chup:Revenge of the Artist’ also made a statement on society at large and the twisted minds that we have around us for company.

R.Balki’s opinion is most relevant at a time where people wait for the OTT release of a film rather than go watch it in theaters.

Pulling an audience into the theater and the sanctity of the big screen has certainly gotten lost.

Hence, films like Bahubali where the cinemascope pushes the boundaries in every aspect giving a larger-than-life experience to the audience might become the order of the day.

In fact, the audience have everything to gain whether sitting in the comfort of their home or in the touch and feel theater experience of brilliant cinema, Especially in today’s time, the importance of elements like the VFX, Mein-en-scene, 3-d or IMAX movies, soundscape and the experience of viewing something that can only be enjoyed on the big screen is most relevant.

In a time where the consumer of content is also the creator. Where everyone has the means to be trigger-happy with their phone cameras, the charm of tinsel-town and the magic surrounding it has certainly been lost and faded.

Somewhere even theater owners will have to do their bit from a business point of view. The movie going experience will have to be sold now as a desirable activity.

Maybe even as a way to reconnect or enjoy with family and friends which is not just restricted to cinema. Showcased as a fun filled entertainment event along with other activities. I. might even feature special meet and greet with new age influencer celebrities, Film creators and theater operators will have to work together to come up with creative business and artistic ideas to make the cinema going experience a must-do with families and friends or even solo. The cinema going experience, its value addition as a sellable activity, the content, standard and curation collectively will need elevation.

Looking forward to the movies every Friday or any other given day on every platform.

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