The actor, who feels the big screen will always have a charm of its own, says small films get stepmotherly treatment in the industry
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 17, 2020)

Movie theatres have been shut since the Coronavirus lockdown first came into force on March 25. And though theatre owners have incurred huge losses, many feel the rise of OTT platforms is great news for content creators. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, too, believes streaming sites have “proved to be a blessing for smaller films.”

“The big screen has always had, and will forever have its charm. Wahaan ek alag hi mahaul hota hai,” says Siddiqui, adding: “OTT platforms, on the other hand, have special advantages. For instance, lockdown mein bhi kitne log meri films dekh paa rahein hain. Plus, streaming sites are available worldwide to everyone.” During the lockdown, some of his films, such as Ghoomketu and Raat Akeli Hai, were released digitally.

The actor also feels cinema halls don’t create a level-playing field for all. “Theatres have become superstars’ personal fiefdom of sorts, it’s as if they have established a rule over 5,000 screens. But OTTs have come as a blessing for smaller films. With no investors, producers, backers or a proper release strategy, chhoti films ke saath bahut sautela vyavhaar hota hai,” he says.

Siddiqui further rues the lack of similar opportunities for every filmmaker. “Aaj ki date mein theatres sirf paise-waalon ka ho gaya hai; unki monopoly ho gayi hai. OTT platforms, though, have brought in a democratic culture (vis-a-vis showcasing films). Now, our films also get picked up and showcased as prominently. Otherwise, chhoti filmon ka bahut bura hashr hota hai. Also, we are getting some fantastic talent — including great actors and directors — due to the OTT space,” he says.

The actor, who recently travelled to Dehradun from his village Budhana, Uttar Pradesh, is happy to spend time with his niece, nephews and brother. “Mujhe koi shikaayat nahi hai about the lockdown. In fact, I look at it as a time where I’m getting to watch great cinema, and some fantastic actors,” adds Siddiqui.