Renowned filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj has made a candid admission about the changing dynamics of the Hindi film industry, stating that the emergence of OTT platforms has significantly disrupted the earlier balance, making it challenging to create films with the political daring of his 2014 masterpiece Haider.
The Lost Balance in Contemporary Cinema
At the trailer launch event for his upcoming film O'Romeo in Mumbai, Bhardwaj reflected on how the industry has transformed over the past decade. He specifically addressed the role of corporate studios and the subsequent rise of streaming platforms.
"I think it was fine when corporates were there," Bhardwaj stated. "But now, ever since the OTT platforms came in, even that balance has started to be lost. It's not that I ever had a problem with corporates. In fact, I made Haider in 2014, but I don't think I can even make a 'H' of a film like Haider in today's time."
Haider's Legacy and Current Constraints
Bhardwaj's Shakespearean trilogy—Maqbool, Omkara, and Haider—has become a cultural touchstone in Indian cinema, with each film celebrated for its unique narrative strength:
- Maqbool is renowned for its hard-hitting existential themes
- Omkara stands out for its inventive storytelling approach
- Haider is particularly notable for its political daring and contemporary relevance
The filmmaker's remarks highlight how the current cinematic landscape, dominated by OTT platforms, has created an environment where such politically charged projects face greater challenges in development and production.
O'Romeo: A Decade-Long Evolution
While discussing industry changes, Bhardwaj also shared insights about his forthcoming project O'Romeo, revealing that this film represents a completely new script compared to what he originally envisioned nearly a decade ago.
"My vision kept changing," he explained. "As I kept revising the script drafts, I felt they were stale. It felt like this was not for me. But there was always a seed of the love story that kept drawing me back. So, this is not the same script I originally intended to make—it's a completely new script."
From Rani to O'Romeo: A Transformed Project
The film's journey has been particularly noteworthy:
- Originally conceived as Rani almost ten years ago
- Was initially planned with Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan in lead roles
- Production faced delays and was ultimately halted due to Irrfan Khan's cancer diagnosis and subsequent passing
- Has now been completely reimagined with a fresh cast including Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, and Farida Jalal
O'Romeo is scheduled for theatrical release on February 13, 2026, marking Bhardwaj's return to direction with a project that has evolved significantly from its original conception.
The Broader Industry Implications
Bhardwaj's observations about OTT platforms disrupting the film industry's balance reflect broader concerns within the creative community. While streaming services have undoubtedly expanded opportunities for diverse storytelling, they have also altered traditional production and distribution models in ways that affect certain types of cinematic expression.
The filmmaker's inability to envision creating something like Haider in today's environment speaks to specific challenges facing politically engaged cinema in the current media landscape, where commercial considerations and platform algorithms increasingly influence creative decisions.
