While OTT platforms have given us much-needed respite amidst the ongoing pandemic, they also seem to have turned into a convenient dumping ground for films that fall short of standards. However, even in the digital realm, quality should be non-negotiable. Here are ten Indian films that, arguably, could have skipped the OTT release entirely.
10 Films that could’ve skipped an OTT release
Here are ten Indian films list that, arguably, could have skipped the OTT release entirely.
Mrs. Serial Killer [2020]:
A suspense thriller with an interesting premise but executed poorly. Jacqueline Fernandez’s overdone performance and the predictable storyline made it a grueling watch. Not to forget the legendary filmmaker at the helm of affairs, whose name was Shirish Kunder.
Gulaabo Sitaabo [2020]:
How do you manage to make a boring satire? Well, Shoojit Sircar has an answer. Known for his intriguing films like “Yahaan”, “Vicky Donor”, “Piku” to name a few, the director managed to surprise his audience with a rather underwhelming “Gulaabo Sitaabo”, despite the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana handling the acting department.
Also read: Randeep Hooda’s Transformational Acting in “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar”: A Game-Changer
Sadak 2 [2020]:
Man, where do I even begin with? Billed as a sequel to the 1991 film “Sadak”, this movie disappointed on multiple fronts. The convoluted plot, poor characterization, and lackluster performances made it one of the lowest-rated Bollywood films on IMDb. Not to forger the massive dislike campaign that probably forced YouTube to deactivate the DISLIKE button altogether.
Laxmii [2020]:
Can you imagine to remake your film so bad, that even the extra-terrestrial creatures will develop loose motions on witnessing a mere glimpse of the same? Maybe not, but that is until you meet Raghava Lawrence. This Akshay Kumar starrer aimed at delivering a social message, but ended up being a hotchpotch of stereotypes and incoherent storytelling. Its exaggerated performances and problematic portrayal of trans characters were also widely criticized. Had it not been for a short but compelling performance by Sharad Kelkar, this movie would have been a complete washout, even by OTT standards.
Coolie No. 1 [2020]:
If Mahesh Bhatt and Raghava Lawrence could ruin their own creations, David Dhawan thought, “Why should I stay behind?” This remake of the 90s hit was less of a tribute and more of an onslaught on comedy. With over-the-top performances and stale humor, this Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali Khan starrer was far from the entertainment package it promised to be.
Radhe [2021]:
You know what was more lethal than the 2nd wave of COVID? It was the Salman Khan starrer “Radhe”, that led to the ultimate decline of Salman Khan’s career, from which he is yet to recover. The movie, starring Salman Khan in the titular role, and a tribute to his own character in “Wanted”, was anything but bearable, and became one of the biggest disasters of Indian cinema, both literally and commercially.
Also read: Gadar 2: Sunny Deol has a huge legacy to carry forward
Bhuj: The Pride of India [2021]:
Who would have thought that the very man, who paid a noble tribute to the valor of the Marathas through “Tanhaji : The Unsung Warrior”, would create such a disaster that even he would hesitate to include in his personal collection? But that is what Ajay Devgn managed to achieve with “Bhuj: The Pride of India”. Set in the 1971 Indo Pak War, and directed by Abhishek Dudhaiya, the movie was projected to be a valid successor to the legacy of “Border”. Instead, it turned out to be the reverse. Ironically, the dialogues as well as the lyrics of this film, were written by Manoj Muntashir Shukla. Is that the reason why Ajay Devgn walked out of “Adipurush”?
Gehraiyaan [2022]:
Imagine a movie, that actually attempts to compete with the likes of “Sadak 2”, in terms of over complicated plot and horrible execution. There comes Shakun Batra’s “Gehraiyaan”, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Deepika Padukone, Ananya Panday and Dhairya Karwa. The movie, touted to be a modern day take on human relationships, was neither thought provoking, nor intriguing. It not only mocked the mental health issues it attempted to highlight, but also advocated adultery as a solution to the same. Imagine the plight had it released in the theatres!
Gaslight [2023]:
Before Sara Ali Khan managed to somehow restore her pride with the sleeper hit ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’, she had a rather forgettable stint in the film industry, with the latest torture being “Gaslight”. Released directly on OTT, the film portrayed a paraplegic girl, who wanted a closure to the complicated case of her missing father. Despite the potential of a promising thriller, if the film shows you even actors like Vikrant Massey scratching their heads in confusion, you can very well understand how “Gaslight” would have turned out as.
Also read: The makers of Adipurush have done a grave injustice to Gen Z
Tiku weds Sheru [2023]:
If “Dhaakad” put a dent on the otherwise promising career of Kangana Ranaut, her debut production, “Tiku Weds Sheru” only went to prove that she might be a good actress, but definitely not the master of all trades. The movie was controversial from the very beginning, with the miscasting of Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Avneet Kaur raising eyebrows. For the movie, the less said, the better!
While OTT platforms have democratized the movie-watching experience, their advent should not signal an open invitation for subpar content. As viewers, we deserve films that are thoughtfully crafted, well-executed, and worthy of our time, regardless of the platform they premiere on. Simply put, let’s not transform OTT platforms into a wasteland of unpalatable cinema.
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