In a recent discussion with Bollywood Hungama, actor Gulshan Devaiah delved into his perspectives on the state of digital streaming platforms in India, aligning with Anurag Kashyap‘s recent criticism. Though Devaiah’s work, particularly the show Afsos, was initially set up for three seasons, it never saw a continuation beyond the first season, due in part to what he describes as inadequate promotion by Amazon. Anurag Kashyap has notably critiqued OTT platforms for their restrictive nature, and Devaiah’s experience echoes those sentiments, shedding light on challenges within the Indian streaming industry.
Discussing Afsos, Devaiah mentioned that while the show was not an original Amazon production, it didn’t receive the promotional backing typically afforded to other Amazon original series. “When the show was written, I was signed for 3 seasons,” he explained, acknowledging the common industry practice of planning for multiple seasons. Despite its potential and unique fan base, Afsos concluded without the grand promotion necessary to sustain its journey.
Devaiah noted, “I am not blaming Amazon. I am sure they have their policies and budgetary allocations. They can’t break their protocols.” His comments highlight systemic limitations within the industry, echoing Anurag Kashyap’s frustration with digital platforms’ creative constraints. Kashyap, known for pushing boundaries, asserts that streaming services in India lack the creative freedom seen in the West, a view shared by Devaiah to an extent.
Reflecting on Kashyap’s criticism, Devaiah explained, “I don’t want to be the guy who complains. But at the same time, I always felt that we could do better.” With India’s diversity and complexity posing unique challenges, the constraints on free expression become evident. It’s a delicate balance, and as Devaiah suggests, “Freedom of speech can never be absolute; there are terms and conditions.” Nevertheless, he recognizes the potential for growth and improvement within India’s storytelling landscape.
While he appreciates the existing framework, Devaiah agrees in principle with Kashyap, acknowledging the need for broader creative horizons. “We can do better, especially in terms of storytelling,” he added, emphasizing the vast untapped narrative potential within India. It’s this sentiment of potential and untapped stories that aligns Devaiah with Kashyap’s vision for a more liberated creative environment.
Kashyap’s critique of OTT platforms, centered on the pressing need for creative freedom, gains ground with voices like Devaiah’s, urging for a reevaluation of how digital content is curated and promoted in India. This dialogue highlights the broader conversation about the evolving nature of artistic expression and the role of digital platforms in either supporting or stifling innovation.
The significance of these conversations could catalyze change within the Indian OTT space, prompting platforms to reevaluate their approach and potentially offer greater creative latitude to filmmakers and artists. As part of the complex Indian artistic tapestry, voices like Anurag Kashyap and Gulshan Devaiah bring attention to the industry’s constraints, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive environment for creators across the board.
