Here’s-Why-OTT-Can-Never-Match-Theatrical-Experience!On this day, exactly a month ago, the OTT space was lit up. We witnessed a hysteria never seen before for the digital premiere of a movie. The scenes and updates online reminded one of the first-day-first-show experiences of watching a biggie in theatre.

However, a month later, everyone has got a clear picture and understood that no matter how hyped a movie, an OTT watch can never match the theatrical experience.

We are of course talking about the hysteria whipped up by Dil Bechara online on its premiere, on this day, exactly a month ago. It was the last film of late Sushant Sigh Rajput. His unfortunate demise generated a wave of sympathy, which translated into record-breaking views online. The weekend reception is supposed to be earth-shattering, though we still don’t have an authentic update on it.

Now imagine a movie getting a reception like Dil Bechara theatrically. It would be the talk of the town. The impact wouldn’t subsidise just after the weekend. As an example, consider the movie Kabir Singh, it stayed in the public’s memory for the rest of the year. Can the same be said about Dil Bechara?

Recently, when Dil Bechara had its world television premiere, the rating was abysmal. It shows a disconnect between the online and real world. Would you believe after all the hungama, there are still people who are unaware of its release?

These are just basic experiences, and these are enough to differentiate the impact of OTT versus theatre. The latter is where the ‘true experience’ lies, and it can’t be replaced.

The current pandemic situation, though, comes with different needs, temporarily. It is being followed, and for the time being, it is okay. The real test would be with the biggies coming in the next few weeks, and when the cinemas open. Will OTT be able to replicate and sustain the hysteria? Or will the cinematic experience be valued over it? Let’s wait and see.