Veteran Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal has sparked a conversation within the industry, voicing his concerns over the increasing obsession with OTT franchises. In an exclusive interview, Rampal expressed a sentiment shared by many – that the relentless pursuit of sequels and spinoffs is stifling creativity and leading to content fatigue on streaming platforms.

Rampal, known for his versatile roles in films like Rock On!! and his recent impactful performance in Daddy, believes that Bollywood needs to shift its focus back to the art of storytelling. He argues that the pressure to create franchise after franchise is forcing filmmakers to compromise on originality and artistic merit. “We need to focus more on the art,” Rampal stated, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity.

The rise of OTT platforms has undoubtedly revolutionized the entertainment landscape in India, providing a wider range of content and opportunities for actors and filmmakers. However, Rampal’s critique highlights a potential pitfall – the danger of sacrificing artistic integrity in the pursuit of commercial success. The focus on creating universes and interconnected narratives, while appealing to some audiences, can lead to formulaic storytelling and a lack of innovation.

“There’s a lot of fatigue setting in with these OTT platforms,” Rampal explained. “Everyone is chasing the same thing, trying to create a franchise. And sometimes, in that process, the story gets lost.” He encourages filmmakers to explore unique narratives, experiment with different genres, and prioritize compelling characters and storylines over simply building a franchise.

Rampal's career trajectory exemplifies his dedication to diverse and challenging roles. From the energetic rockstar in Rock On!! to the complex and layered portrayal of Sulaiman Isa in Daddy, he's consistently demonstrated a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the depths of human experience. This commitment, he believes, is what’s missing in much of the current OTT landscape.

The actor’s comments resonate with a growing audience that is craving fresh and original content. While franchises can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, many viewers are yearning for stories that challenge their perspectives and leave a lasting impact. Rampal's call for a return to artistic focus is a timely reminder that the true power of cinema lies in its ability to inspire, provoke, and move audiences.

The conversation around OTT content is constantly evolving, and Rampal's perspective adds a crucial voice to the discussion. He urges the industry to remember that while commercial success is important, it shouldn't come at the expense of artistic vision. The future of Bollywood’s OTT presence depends on striking a balance between franchise building and prioritizing the art of filmmaking.