Actor Shivaji’s OTT Remark Sparks Debate Over Theatrical Experience and Audience Choices
Senior Telugu actor Shivaji has triggered a fresh discussion about the changing relationship between audiences, theatres and streaming platforms after making strong remarks about the growing popularity of OTT entertainment.
The actor made the comments while participating in promotional activities for Epic: First Semester, the upcoming Telugu film starring Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya. Shivaji, who plays an important role in the movie alongside Vasuki Anand, questioned the growing preference for watching films at home rather than experiencing them on the big screen.
His comments have since generated contrasting reactions among movie lovers, with some agreeing that theatrical cinema offers something streaming platforms cannot replicate, while others have defended OTT as a convenient and affordable alternative.
Shivaji Questions the Rise of OTT Viewing
According to Shivaji, the rapid expansion of OTT platforms has changed the way audiences consume movies. He expressed the view that people increasingly prefer staying at home and watching content rather than making the effort to visit a cinema hall.
The actor used particularly strong language while describing this trend, saying that OTT platforms are essentially meant for people who are unwilling to step out. His remarks were aimed at what he sees as a decline in the habit of watching movies in theatres.
For Shivaji, the issue is not simply about where audiences watch a movie. He believes the traditional theatrical experience has a distinct emotional value that cannot be completely reproduced through home viewing.
‘#90s – A Middle Class Biopic’ Becomes Part of the Discussion
One of the major points raised by Shivaji concerns #90s – A Middle Class Biopic, the web series that played an important role in his second innings.
The series, created by Aditya Hasan, received a strong response after being released on a digital platform. Shivaji now believes the project could have achieved a much bigger commercial outcome had it been released directly in theatres.
He expressed confidence that #90s – A Middle Class Biopic could have crossed ₹100 crore in gross theatrical revenue if it had received a big-screen release.
The actor's argument is that stories capable of connecting strongly with viewers can generate an impressive response in theatres. From his perspective, limiting such projects to OTT can mean missing out on the possibility of substantial box-office earnings.
How OTT Changed Movie-Watching Habits
The debate surrounding Shivaji's statement comes at a time when streaming services have become a major part of entertainment consumption.
In the past, audiences generally had to visit theatres to watch newly released films. Once a theatrical run ended, movies would eventually reach television, often during festivals or special occasions.
The arrival of OTT platforms significantly altered that pattern. The change became particularly noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdown restrictions kept people at home and digital platforms became a major source of entertainment.
As audiences became accustomed to watching films and series from their homes, streaming gradually became an established part of the entertainment ecosystem.
Another major change has been the reduced gap between theatrical releases and digital premieres. The report notes that even successful films can reach OTT platforms after a relatively short theatrical window, with four weeks becoming a common timeframe in many cases.
Why Some Viewers Agree With Shivaji
A section of moviegoers has supported Shivaji's position, arguing that cinema is more than simply watching a story.
For these viewers, the atmosphere inside a theatre, the large screen, powerful sound and collective reaction of an audience create an experience that cannot easily be recreated at home.
They believe that encouraging people to return to theatres is important for maintaining the theatrical ecosystem. From this perspective, Shivaji's comments can be seen as an attempt to emphasize the value of the big-screen experience.
His connection with #90s – A Middle Class Biopic has also added another dimension to the discussion, since he believes the series had the potential to become a major theatrical success.
Others Defend OTT Convenience
Not everyone has agreed with the actor.
Critics of Shivaji's remarks have pointed to the rising cost of going to the cinema. Increasing ticket prices, expensive food and beverage options and the overall expense of taking an entire family to a theatre can make movie outings costly.
For working families and viewers dealing with busy schedules, OTT platforms provide the flexibility to watch quality entertainment at home.
These viewers argue that choosing between a theatre and a streaming service is ultimately a matter of personal preference. They feel that people should be free to decide how and where they want to consume entertainment without being judged for their choice.
Epic: First Semester Set for Theatrical Release
Interestingly, Shivaji's comments come while he is promoting a film that is itself heading to theatres.
Epic: First Semester, directed by Aditya Hasan and featuring Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya in the lead, is scheduled for theatrical release on September 11. Shivaji and Vasuki Anand are part of the film's important supporting cast.
The actor's remarks have therefore added an unexpected talking point to the film's promotional campaign.
Whether audiences agree with Shivaji or prefer the convenience of streaming, his comments have brought renewed attention to an ongoing question in the film industry: can theatres and OTT platforms comfortably coexist, or will changing audience habits continue to reshape the traditional cinema business?
For now, the debate highlights how dramatically the way people watch movies has evolved—and how strongly opinions remain divided over the future of the theatrical experience.
