The early days of the OTT boom in India spelt endless opportunities for actors and creators to experiment with good content and character-driven casting. However, with star power seemingly seeping into the streaming industry, actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya feels things are back to square one.

“Jis cheez se bach kar OTT bana tha, phir wahi ho raha hai. The favouritism that was present in the film industry is now taking over OTT too,” shares the actor, who recently wrapped up the shoot of the web show Rocket Boys 2.

Bhattacharya notes that films and OTT have slowly merged to form one industry now. “Character artistes, who were getting roles because of OTT, will be sidelined again. If actors who have not been able to prove themselves even after so many years, take away opportunities from good actors who have proved their potential, toh kya hi hoga,” he says, adding, however, that OTT is “nobody’s territory” and that “we have to coexist”.

Referring to A-listers as “liabilities” for the industry, the Jamtara actor expresses surprise at the mainstreaming of the space. “What I don’t understand is when these people act all surprised seeing us on screen (OTT). We were always there, but those creators were busy making similar kinds of pictures with similar stars. They never valued real artistes,” he rues.

That being said, the actor is glad that viewers have become aware now. “The audience is very vocal about what they want. They want to watch good performances, good actors and good work,” he ends.