Remember the early 2000s when Hrithik Roshan’s debut in ‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’ took Bollywood by storm? Or even much later when Alia Bhatt made her dazzling entry with ‘Student of the Year,’ setting high expectations for newcomers? Back then, a big-screen debut was the ultimate medium for the audience and even the actors, with cinemas packed with cheering fans and blockbuster openings. But today, the rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms has changed the game.
Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, and Agastya Nanda made their debut in Zoya Akhtar’s OTT film ‘The Archies’; Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan started his film journey with ‘Maharaj’; and the newest addition, Saif Ali Khan’s son Ibrahim Ali Khan, stepped into movies with ‘Nadaaniyan,’ which also marks Khushi’s second OTT film. Many, or we can say almost all, of the new generation of Bollywood star kids are choosing OTT platforms over big-screen launches. Does this mean they are not yet ready for cinemas? Or is OTT a smarter, safer way to start a career?
The safety net of OTT platforms
OTT platforms provide a more secure space for new actors. Unlike theatrical releases, where success is measured by box office numbers, OTT projects allow actors to perform without the immediate fear of box office failure. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh explains, “There is a lot of pressure on everyone involved in a film, especially for newcomers to the big screen. Releasing a film on OTT is the better choice because at least it will remain available.”
Even if a film does not perform well initially, it can still find an audience over time. In contrast, a theatrical flop can be an instant career setback. “If Nadaaniyan had been released in cinemas, it would have been a disaster. From what I have heard, it is a terrible film. But I want to add that sometimes, releasing a film on OTT is the better choice because at least it will remain available,” Taran adds.
Deepesh Shah, the founder and managing director of Yellow Inc., with over 20 years of experience in the media industry, has successfully spearheaded campaigns for many movies, including ‘Pink,’ ‘Piku,’ ‘102 Not Out,’ and ‘Bajrangi Bhai Jaan,’ and shares his perspective: “The migration to OTT platforms during the pandemic marked a turning point in how talent is introduced. This shift was not primarily driven by cost-efficiency but by strategy. OTT platforms provided an adaptive and accessible way to showcase newcomers to a global audience, aligning with changing viewer habits and leveraging the digital-first mindset of contemporary consumers.”
Trolling and audience scrutiny
Star kids often face massive online scrutiny. But does an OTT release reduce the trolling? According to Taran Adarsh, “Yes, it does. But ‘Nadaaniyan’ is still one of the most trolled films of recent times. Had it been released in cinemas, the trolling would have been ten times worse.”
Social media criticism is unavoidable, but the absence of box office expectations allows new actors to grow without the extreme pressure that comes with a big-screen debut. Taran further states, “People will definitely watch a film on OTT, especially since it serves as a launchpad for star kids. But the risk of releasing it in cinemas and then facing heavy criticism is much higher.”
OTT platforms allow films to reach a much larger audience. Unlike cinemas, which depend on ticket sales, streaming services provide instant accessibility worldwide. This helps actors gain popularity across regions without the pressure of box office collections. Deepesh Shah acknowledges that OTT helps in reaching a wider audience but also notes a key challenge: “One of the key challenges newcomers face on OTT platforms is the intense competition for audience attention. With viewers having the freedom to switch content instantly, performances must be exceptional to stand out in a highly saturated market. While theatrical releases also demand standout performances, OTT presents the added challenge of immediate audience disengagement if the content fails to deliver.”
More opportunities and challenging roles?
OTT platforms offer a variety of roles that may not be possible in mainstream Bollywood films. Deepesh explains, “OTT platforms are redefining storytelling by embracing unique genres and unconventional narratives. For newcomers, this presents a significant advantage, allowing them to explore complex roles and build a distinct identity. In contrast, theatrical releases often prioritize broader narratives to appeal to mass audiences.”
Adarsh, on the other hand, believes that despite many star kids opting for OTT, their ultimate goal remains the big screen. “I think it is just a matter of time. Suhana Khan or Ibrahim Ali Khan will be seen on the big screen eventually. An OTT debut is not always planned, but in the future, you might hear about them getting a theatrical release. I hope they do because right now, there is a lack of heroes and talent. There is also a shortage of new heroines. It would be great to see them on the big screen.”
Junaid Khan: OTT vs. Big Screen
Junaid Khan, son of Aamir Khan, is one of the few from the lot who has had both an OTT and a theatrical release. In an interview with Hindustan Times, he shared his thoughts on films releasing in cinemas and on OTT platforms, saying, “A film is a film.” He believes there isn’t much difference for an actor, as every film is special. He trusts the experts to decide the best way to release a movie. “Ideally, I’d put it on YouTube for free so everyone could watch, but that’s not practical,” he said.
Junaid revealed he wants his films to reach as many people as possible but leaves the decision to those in charge. He thinks the debate about OTT vs. cinema is more for producers and distributors. “For artists, nothing changes, so this question should be asked to them,” he explained.
His performance in ‘Maharaj’ on OTT received positive reviews, whereas ‘Loveyapa,’ his big-screen debut, failed to impress. Taran commented, “I watched Maharaj and thought it was a very well-made film. Junaid gave an excellent performance… Then I saw Loveyapa, and I was so disappointed. I kept wondering if he was the same actor from Maharaj.” This made many wonder if an OTT debut actually allows an actor to refine their skills before stepping onto the big screen; it makes it more difficult to step into the big screen world.
So, is OTT the ultimate launchpad for new-gen star kids?
As Taran puts it, “I don’t think it is intentional on the actor’s part. The decisions are made by the producers or those involved with the films. If they feel it is important for certain films to be released on OTT, they put them there. Otherwise, it is not up to the actors whether a film goes to OTT or the big screen. Whether it is ‘Archies’ or ‘Nadaaniyan,’ those projects were planned for OTT from the start. So, if you saw them on OTT, it was not the actor’s decision at all. Ideally, any actor or newcomer would want to be featured on the big screen because its charm is very different.”
OTT does appear to be a safer and more flexible option, but it does not eliminate the challenges of making a mark in Bollywood. While some actors may eventually transition to big-screen roles, others might find a strong foothold in the digital space. As the film industry continues to evolve, the choice between OTT and theatrical releases will depend on the project, the audience, and the star kid’s ability to shine in the spotlight.
