BackNew-age streaming starlets make a splash on big screen
Wide and convenient reach of the web responsible for filmmakers scouting for talent from streaming platformsIndia’s total internet subscriber base stands at 637 million, up 29% year-on-year
PremiumNew Delhi: Long considered the last resort of those who could either not make it to the big screen or were slowly fading into oblivion, the web is now throwing up talent that seamlessly transitions into cinema.
Actor Jitendra Kumar will be seen alongside Ayushmann Khurrana in comedy drama Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, which releases on Friday, 21 February. An internet find, Kumar is best known for his comedy sketches on YouTube channel The Viral Fever.
Like Kumar, Siddhant Chaturvedi stood out in director Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy last year after grabbing eyeballs for his performance in Amazon Prime Video original Inside Edge.
Actors Jatin Sarna and Kubbra Sait, who stood out in Netflix’s Sacred Games, will also be seen in feature films. Sarna is playing cricketer Yashpal Sharma in Kabir Khan’s ’83, while Sait appeared in Saif Ali Khan-starrer, Jawaani Jaaneman. Angira Dhar, known for web originals such as Bang Baaja Baaraat and Love Per Square Foot, was part of Commando 3 last year.
The actors claim that the wide and convenient reach of the web and the fact that these shows have begun to be taken far more seriously, are responsible for filmmakers scouting for talent from streaming platforms.
“Even filmmakers, at the end of the day, go back and watch these series and films, just like other people, and not always just to spot talent but because it’s entertainment on the go," said Sharvari Wagh, who was recently in Kabir Khan’s Amazon original The Forgotten Army—Azaadi Ke Liye and has already been roped in for Yash Raj Films’ Bunty Aur Babli 2.
According to a report by consulting firm KPMG for 2019, India’s total internet subscriber base stands at 637 million, growing 29% in the past year, with subscription revenue registering a near threefold increase in FY19 to ₹1,200 crore, with contributions from both direct subscription revenues of over-the-top (OTT) platforms, as well as those from telco partnerships.
“The fact that it’s so easily available, not just at home but anytime and anywhere, is something that truly appeals to people. We are all crunched for time, especially because of long commutes. In that time, if people get to watch something and free their mind, it is definitely something that acts as a pull," Wagh said.
Some feel the compelling nature of writing on the web helps actors stand out even more. “The fact that there is less censorship on the web means it gives people the opportunity to explore that much more," said Wagh’s co-star Sunny Kaushal, who had signed the Amazon show before films such as Bhangra Paa Le that released earlier this year.
The writing is also different because of the format. In a film, the story has to be condensed into two hours, so you make it more cohesive whereas with the eight to ten episodes in a series, you can flesh things out more and go deeper into characters and their lives.
The presence of the web has meant more opportunities for everyone, be it actors, directors, or writers, Kaushal said.
“Earlier with films, say you had a hundred opportunities, now you have thousands. After that, it depends on your hard work and how well you click with people," Kaushal said.
Aashish Singh, director, original film, Netflix India, said the company is thrilled it is a launching pad for a new generation of stars who have developed huge fan bases across the world.
“The explosive growth in popularity brought alive through memes, for example, is a good indicator of how our films, series and stars are breaking out around the world. We want to be a home for talent to do the best work of their lives and fans to fall in love with talented voices," Singh said.
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