Movie buffs take a fancy to OTT platforms

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, July 5

With the Covid-19 pandemic bringing down the curtains on outdoor activities, the craze for the over-the-top (OTT) entertainment service among the youngsters seems to have multiplied. Lying on their sofas or bed, glued to their smart TVs, laptops or mobile screens watching web-series or web-movies on online streaming giants such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hotstar, Disney plus, Zee5, etc, seems to have become a rage.

As parents still reluctant to allow their children to go outside amid rising Covid scare, the only option left with the children to beat the lockdown blues is to watch online movies and web-series. But, with OTT becoming the new normal, the parents are worried that lack of physical activity and spending too much time on gadgets can take a toll on the children's health.

Moreover, the recent surveys done on digital dependence has also highlighted that there was a record increase in OTT traffic during the lockdown and the subscriptions of Amazon Prime, Netlfix, Hotstar, Zee 5 and others were up by 30-40 per cent. Even several producers and filmmakers after the release of 'Gulabo Sitabo' on Amazon Prime Video on June 12, shared on their official social media handles about how they are considering taking the OTT path, instead of waiting for theatres to reopen.

Speaking out

Ever since the lockdown was announced, I have been spending maximum time in my room, binge-watching all the movies I had missed earlier. Not being able to go out of the house has made me buy memberships of three different streaming platforms to keep myself entertained during these hard times. Prince Singh, a freelancer scriptwriter

There is hardly any option other than OTT platforms. But, I feel that instead of wasting time on those rom-com, youngsters must look for educational, motivational and among other movies or series that end up giving a beautiful message about life or self-love. I am these days watching movies that deal with mental health issues. Pooja Yadav, MCA pass out

The availability of all sorts of entertainment content online has proven to be a boon during this lockdown period. Being stuck at home, due to this pandemic, I am spending my time exploring thriller and horror web-series on OTT platforms for my entertainment. Archana Joshi, a student of Apeejay College

For the time being, OTT platforms have been acting as saviours, as it helps me escape from the boredom and stress of Covid-19. But I want things to go back to normal because I am looking forward to watching movies in movie halls with my gang of friends and get dressed up for the same. Gursimran Kaur, student, GNDU College, Ladowali