In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kashyap expressed his dissatisfaction with Indian OTT platforms, stating that their approach lacks understanding of cinema.

“People running these platforms come from the television industry and don’t understand filmmaking. Their sole focus is gaining subscribers, which leads to content being dumbed down,” he said.

Kashyap also pointed out that most major streaming platforms operating in India are multinational companies hesitant to take risks. “They are answerable to higher-ups, and their fear of failure stifles creativity,” he added.

Streaming Choices: Favouring Theatrical Releases

The director accused streaming platforms of playing safe by only acquiring films that have already been released in theatres. He highlighted a concerning trend where executives, driven by their high-paying jobs and secure lifestyles, avoid engaging in meaningful creative conversations.

Reflecting on the current dynamics, he said, “OTTs disrupted the system initially by offering high prices, but then they drastically lowered them. Now, no one wants to compromise. Eventually, this will lead to a downfall, and I eagerly await it. After hitting rock bottom, we’ll see a resurgence in filmmaking. The golden times are ahead.”

The Decline of Bollywood Creativity

Kashyap was equally critical of the Hindi film industry, stating that the joy of filmmaking in Bollywood has been “sucked out” due to its focus on profitability. He announced his decision to move away from Mumbai, signaling a shift towards working in the southern film industry.

“Southern filmmakers like Sukumar have the freedom to create masterpieces like Pushpa: The Rise and Pushpa 2: The Rule. Bollywood, on the other hand, lacks the vision and intelligence to make such films,” he said.

Kashyap lauded the southern film industry for its willingness to invest in and empower directors. In contrast, he criticized Bollywood’s obsession with creating cinematic universes rather than fostering original ideas.

Talent Management Agencies Under Fire

Kashyap also called out talent management agencies for prioritizing stardom over nurturing raw talent. He accused these agencies of exploiting young actors for profit, contributing to a shallow and unsustainable system.

A Call for Change

Despite his scathing critique, Kashyap remains optimistic about the future of Indian cinema. He believes that the current challenges will eventually lead to a creative renaissance. “The fall is inevitable, but from there, we’ll rise to make meaningful films once again,” he concluded.

With Kashyap’s strong words resonating across the industry, the question remains: will Bollywood and OTT platforms take note, or will his predictions of a fall and revival come true?