"It’s become dhanda for big production houses"
Nawazuddin Siddiqui has quit doing shows for streaming platforms, revealing that he is not happy with what he sees there.
Streaming platforms have quickly gained popularity both in terms of content and talent.
Numerous film stars, including Nawazuddin, also gained prominence through streaming platforms.
The versatile actor was seen in Netflix’s hit Sacred Games and went on to star in more OTT content.
However, Nawazuddin has shockingly revealed that he has quit the OTT space, saying it has become a “dhanda” for production houses.
He explained: “The platform has become a dumping ground for redundant shows.
“We either have shows that don’t deserve to be seen in the first place. Or sequels to shows that have nothing more to say.”
Nawazuddin went on to say that he took up Sacred Games because it was exciting and new. But afterwards, the freshness disappeared.
He told Bollywood Hungama: “When I did Sacred Games for Netflix, there was an excitement and challenge around the digital medium.
“New talent was being given a chance Now that freshness is gone.
“It’s become dhanda (racket) for big production houses and actors who are now so-called stars on the OTT platform.
“Major film producers in Bollywood have cut lucrative deals with all the big players in the OTT field.
“Producers get whopping amounts to create unlimited content. The quantity has killed quality.”
He now finds OTT shows unbearable.
“When I can’t bear to watch them how can I bear to be in them?”
Nawazuddin Siddiqui stated that the star system of the big screen has been lost. He also fears that the same thing is being seen in the digital space.
“This star system killed the big screen). Now we have so-called stars on OTT claiming big money and throwing tantrums like Bollywood A-listers.
“They forget. Content is king.
“When stars ruled. Before this lockdown and the digital domination, A-listers would release their films in 3,000 theatre across the country.
“People had no choice but to see them. Now they have unlimited choices.”
In Sacred Games, Nawazuddin Siddiqui played the role of notorious crime lord Ganesh Gaitonde and winning ‘Best Actor’ at the 2018 iReel Awards.
He went on to star in several other projects released on streaming platforms.
Nawazuddin starred in the ZEE5 film Ghoomketu while Raat Akeli Hai and Serious Men are Netflix films.
His role in Serious Men has seen him nominated for an International Emmy.