Anantica Sahir: OTT is definitely the future, but Television too is a part of that future

Television as a medium has evolved and a variety of content is being produced. Many believe this change has come because of the competition with OTT and the changing viewing habits of the audience. Writer Anantica Sahir says that she does not think there is any competition between TV and OTT.

“Both have a very different set of audience and are co-existing to cater to their target audience. There is no denying that there is an audience which likes to watch both the mediums but that is because they like what they see on both. While I do agree that the content on OTT is much edgier and because of a definite life of the OTT format, the stories are crisper and finite. However, now many OTT platforms are actually making long-format shows. OTT is definitely the future, but Television too is a part of that future,” says Anantica, who has worked projects such as Navya, Malika Ka Swayamwar- Bachelorette, Humse Hai Life, Kehta Hai Dil Jee Le Zara, Itti Si khushi, Hello Pratibha, Vishkanya and Nima Denzongpa.

Also read: Salman Khan’s stardom gives Bigg Boss 16 an extension

We talk about making progressive content while still making unbelievable supernatural sequences that are funny. At the same time, a huge chunk of the audience is still watching those shows, which is contradictory. “There is definitely a rural and urban divide when it comes to the TV audience. Trying to balance both is quite challenging. There is no denying that supernatural shows such as Naagin have done really well and have been loved by the audience, in both rural and urban markets. Even when we talk about movies, Kantara, Bhool Bhulaiya as well as Brahmastra are big examples of our audience loving and accepting supernatural content. Supernatural shows are made all over the world and a lot of unrealistic things are carried out because of it being a ‘fantasy’ in nature. Television works on tighter budgets and deadlines which is where the problem lies sometimes,” she explains.

There was a mythological wave with Mahabharat and Mahadev. Many feel that it has died down to an extent. “I feel mythology is always going to be something that our audience connects with, and it is forever relevant.  There have been so many shows like Lord Krishna, Sai Baba that are still running on air. I feel mythology requires a lot of research work and elaborate set up, but it’s definitely a genre that might have slowed down and has definitely not died down,” she adds.