OTT Has Changed The Definition Of Entertainment: Swara Bhaskar

Bhubaneswar: The OTT (Over-the-top) platform has changed the overall definition of entertainment as far as viewing pattern is concerned, said Bollywood actress Swara Bhaskar.

While attending Odisha Television Limited’s (OTV) annual conclave Foresight, Swara Bhaskar on Thursday said that change is not going to reverse as technology scouts for way all by itself.

While deliberating on the topic, ‘Big Shift of Content Consumption From Big Screen to Small Screen During Covid-19 & After,’ Bhaskar said TV and film content over the internet got a fillip during the pandemic.

"OTT could be a good platform for regional movies. It gives us a good opportunity to see cinemas of different states & languages," she said.

Earlier films that were unable to get space in theatre industry used to get lifeline through OTT platforms, but now the pandemic has caused a huge shift due to which movies are screened in theatres that are not being picked up by OTT, said Bhaskar.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Centre has done several rounds of consultation with the OTT players in the past and stressed the need for self-regulation. Sources said the government will come out with progressive institutional mechanism for OTT players and develop a level playing field with the idea of self-regulation.

While commenting on the recent censorships, the Bollywood actress said, “I am against censorship in films, but support certification. Bold scenes and violence in films or in digital media should be based on the need of the script not for grabbing eyeballs.”

I am against censorship in films, but support certification says Swara Bhaskar. She said, "Bold scenes & violence in films or in digital media should be based on the need of the script not for grabbing eyeballs."#OTVForesight2021 #ChangingTimesChangingMinds pic.twitter.com/uolrqbqPCQ

— OTV (@otvnews) March 4, 2021

Bhaskar also stressed on the need to focus and revive the theatre industry in India as there are only 9,000 theatres compared to the requirement of 50,000 keeping in view the population of the country.

Bollywood has a very close connection with #Odisha, says Swara Bhaskar during #OTVForesight2021 pic.twitter.com/ThhpCBGwq0

— OTV (@otvnews) March 4, 2021

“I have come to Bhubaneswar for the second time. I do not know Odia but there are lot of talents in Bollywood who hail from Odisha. I think Bollywood has a close connection with Odisha,” Bhaskar added.

The oldie-goldie Chitraahar of Doordarshan & Superhit Muqabla were the inspiration behind me joining the Bollywood: Actress Swara Bhaskar at #Foresight2021 #ChangingTimesChangingMinds #Foresight2021

— OTV (@otvnews) March 4, 2021

(Edited By Pradeep Singh)