Don't think OTT will dismantle cinema viewing habit, they can happily co-exist: Sharman Joshi

Actor Sharman Joshi says audiences might be watching more content on the digital platform due to the countrywide lockdown but they still have a strong appetite for experiencing movies on the big screen.

With the country still in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, there is a resurgence of the theatrical vs streaming debate.

Cinema houses across all over the country have been shut to enforce social distancing and that has given a rise in the viewership of content on the digital platforms.

Sharman believes people have a strong desire to watch movies in theatres and this will ensure the survival of cinema houses.

"The desire of people under lockdown at home, including me, is to step outside, go for dinner, meet some friends or watch a movie. These are the things you usually do when you step out.

"Cinema is a wholesome experience, this big screen spectacle and the excitement it offers to people. Cinema, OTT platforms and TV will continue having their own spaces," Sharman told PTI.

The actor believes theatrical films, streaming sites and TV will keep coming out with content that is suitable for their platform.

"They will co-exist happily. It's a great time for people to get plenty of entertainment of various kinds and likewise for us in the industry where we get to offer different kinds of entertainment," he added.

The 41-year-old actor said content varies from platform to platform and there shouldn't be any comparison between them.

"TV, films and digital are platforms you go for entertainment. The kind of content they offer are quite different, where time plays the crucial factor. Theatrical films offer storytelling in shorter length form, where there's a lot to say in two hours. But TV and OTT platforms give luxury of time."