'Lot more to be done': Kiran Rao on Indian OTT
What's the story
Acclaimed filmmaker Kiran Rao recently voiced her apprehensions regarding the future of the Indian OTT landscape.
Speaking at the 7th edition of the Indian Screenwriters Conference, she said that once OTT platforms were a "golden egg" for creativity but now she is unsure about where it is headed.
She also pointed out that today, there's hardly any difference between OTT and films.
Industry shift
Rao's observation on the changing OTT landscape
Rao said, "Now, more and more you see the kind of things that are so-called 'working' or big on OTT are usually stuff which isn't vastly different from what we would see in films."
She added that this change could be a result of a "bubble burst" in the industry.
"There is a lot of promise there, a lot of stories to be told, I don't know how many people are commissioning them and the economics allows one to do."
Uncertainty
'OTT was this golden egg...'
Rao further elaborated on her concerns, saying, "OTT was this golden egg; everyone could do everything that they dreamed of and it had to come full circle."
"Like everything, there was a golden age, but I am not sure where it goes from here," she added.
"We still have some great writing on OTT in India, but there is a lot more to be done."
Upcoming ventures
Rao's future plans for OTT projects
When asked if she plans to venture into series direction for OTT, Rao said that nothing has been finalized yet.
She said, "Nothing has been greenlit yet. I have a couple of series ideas, including a mini-series, but I don't know where to go with what I am doing."
Interestingly, she also wants to turn her series ideas into films.
Rao is known for directing Dhobi Ghaat and Laapataa Ladies.