Priyanka Chopra Jonas has stated that streaming services have allowed numerous new artists to display their potential, as opposed to the film business, which has been “monopolised” for a long time by “a small group of individuals.” Priyanka Chopra, who had an excellent digital debut this year with The White Tiger, believes it’s past time for people to embrace OTT platforms since they’ve not only helped evolve content by allowing for fresh stories and ideas, but they’ve also democratised the film business.
“I feel that storytelling needs to evolve. The formatting of stories needs to evolve. What we are seeing in Indian cinema now is the freedom of streaming services in allowing people to have larger thoughts than the formulas that existed before — there should be five songs, a fight sequence. That formula has gone away. Now, people want to tell great stories that are real and they identify with. It’s amazing because it gives new writers, actors and filmmakers an opportunity to come into an industry that was monopolised for a very long time by a very specific number of people. It’s really great time for growth, entertainment, and specifically for Indian cinema,” Priyanka said while addressing a virtual press conference of ZEE5’s launch in the US.
Priyanka added that while nothing can match the thrill of seeing a movie on the big screen, OTT has provided a level of comfort to viewers. “There isn’t a world in which I won’t go back to the theatres as soon as it opens because that experience is very special, and I don’t think theatrical is going anywhere, but I think the freedom that streaming or OTT has provided to audiences around the world — being able to watch a movie with your family in your pyjamas — is amazing because it’s spreading culture and it’s spreading culture and it’s spreading culture and it’s spreading culture and it’s spreading culture
“There is such a big new audience that is getting exposed to Indian film in various forms. So, I believe this is a really exciting period, and we should embrace streaming to the fullest extent possible. It is the now, not the future.”
The actress said, “It’s a really exciting moment for material from all around the world, especially regional cinema from India, which has expanded enormously over the years.” Priyanka Chopra is also a film producer, having financed the critically acclaimed Marathi-language films Ventilator and Paani under her Purple Pebble Pictures brand.
“When I started making regional movies six years back it was still very nascent in becoming mainstream but now you can see regional cinema from India dominating charts in the US and China. I think there is a massive hunger from the South Asian communities to see their own localised content and themselves being represented. With streaming services being able to provide that platform, I think people everywhere will feel represented,” the actress added.
Priyanka Chopra, who is widely regarded as Bollywood’s most successful Hollywood crossover, also stated that she wants to utilise her influence to provide chances and awareness for South Asian artists on the international arena.
I am one of the select few people who has had the opportunity to work in two of the world’s major entertainment businesses. She continued, “My aim is to be able to establish greater recognition, representation, and to have South Asians feel seen and heard, particularly among the worldwide society outside of South Asia.”
