Actress Kalki Koechlin, celebrated for her roles in films like 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', has shared a frank assessment of the current state of streaming platforms. As she prepares for her upcoming Franco-American project 'Her Song', the actor spoke about how Over-The-Top (OTT) services have transformed audience habits and the creative landscape of the entertainment industry.
Has The Streaming Boom Already Peaked?
In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Kalki Koechlin reflected on the explosive growth of digital platforms. She acknowledged the initial euphoria, stating that it provided immense employment and opportunities globally. However, she believes that era of unchecked growth is over.
"It was this thing that just took over the world — there was so much content, everyone was excited," she said. "Now it feels like it’s plateaued. There’s too much content and nobody knows what to watch." She illustrated this with a highly relatable scenario, admitting that she often finds herself endlessly scrolling through Netflix without making a choice.
Kalki also pointed to a cultural shift caused by binge-watching. She expressed nostalgia for the traditional television model, where viewers had to wait a week for the next episode. "That instant gratification has really affected attention spans," she noted, highlighting a loss of shared anticipation and weekly discussion.
The Business Model and a Hopeful Creative Cycle
Delving deeper, Kalki addressed the economic realities challenging streaming giants. She observed that consistent viewership is declining and platforms are struggling to meet their subscription targets. "The business model isn’t working as well. Subscriptions aren’t what they hoped for, and content is being made less," she explained, confirming a noticeable slowdown in production.
Despite these challenges, the actor views this phase not as an end, but as a necessary correction. "I think it’s another creative cycle," Kalki stated optimistically. She argued that when established formulas fail, it forces creators to innovate. "People have to go back to creativity, to original formats," she said, expressing hope for a significant "renewal of creativity" in the industry.
About Kalki's New Film 'Her Song'
Kalki's insights come as she gears up for the release of 'Her Song', which marks the feature film directorial debut of John M. Keller. The film weaves a poignant narrative about a writer who, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, traces her grandmother's experiences of wartime displacement.
The story is built on themes of repetition and cycles, exploring how history echoes through generations with subtle variations. It is a meditation on memory, loss, and identity, examining how people are shaped by both their remembered past and their hidden secrets.
The film boasts an international cast including Elea Clair, Julien Jacob, Zach Granier, Thaïs Sobreria, Aldo D’Lbanos, and Marine Assaiante alongside Kalki Koechlin.
