Films that deserved to be in theatres: The advent of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms has undoubtedly transformed the landscape of the Indian film industry. These digital platforms have provided filmmakers with a new medium to showcase their creativity and reach a wide audience, especially in the wake of the COVID 19 Pandemic.
However, there are some exceptional films that, despite their artistic brilliance, were released on OTT platforms rather than experiencing the grandeur of a theatrical release. In this article, we highlight seven Indian films that truly deserved to be screened in theatres.
7 Films that deserved to be in theatres
“Ludo” [2020]
This was one film that truly deserved the charm of the silver screen, come what may. Directed by Anurag Basu, the film was an anthology of four different stories, merging into one under unique circumstances. Released on Netflix, the film didn’t become famous only because of impeccable performances from Abhishek Bachchan and Pankaj Tripathi, but also for the hilarious revival of the classic “Kismat ki Hawa Kabhi Naram”, originally from the 1951 hit “Albela”.
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“Shershaah” [2021]
Another movie that unjustly suffered because of COVID was the Vishnu Vardhan directorial “Shershaah”. Released in August 2021 on Amazon Prime, the film, bankrolled by Dharma Productions and starring Siddharth Malhotra, was based on the exploits of the Kargil braveheart, Captain Vikram Batra.
However, the way the movie was shot, as well as the performances that were delivered by Siddharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, made it more worthy for a theatrical release. Imagine the amounts of claps and whistles in the theatres if the scene “Yeh Dil Maange More!” had played out.
“Sardar Udham” [2021]
This is another curious case of the makers being too restless, instead of waiting for a good theatrical release. Based on the true story of Udham Singh, a revolutionary who assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab in British India, “Sardar Udham” showcased Vicky Kaushal in a powerful lead role.
Directed by Shoojit Sircar, this historical drama was visually stunning and demanded the immersive theatrical experience to truly appreciate its historical significance and emotional impact. Irrespective of the ideological misses, the movie had enough material for a proper theatrical run.
“Dasvi” [2022]
Directed by Tushar Jalota, “Dasvi” was a social satire, commenting on various issues, including that of the importance of education. The movie, centered around Ganga Ram Chaudhary, a jailed politician who decides to complete his matriculation. The film’s powerful visuals and evocative narrative would have had a greater impact on the audience if it had been released in theatres.
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“Freddy” [2022]
Kartik Aaryan has proved time and again that he can deliver maximum returns with minimum resources. This was proved, when despite most writing him off, he delivered a surprise success with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 [2022], one of the very Hindi films to have succeeded at the box office last year. However, with Shashanka Ghosh’s “Freddy”, Kartik Aaryan proved that he can ACT!
The movie, revolving around a socially awkward dentists Freddy Ginwala, whose affection almost costs him his life, is a riveting psychological thriller that took many by surprise. None expected this, and some even demanded that this movie should have actually released in the theatres!
“Qala” [2022]
Another movie that took everyone literally by surprise was the movie “Qala”, directed by Anvita Dutt Guptan. Starring Tripti Dimri in the lead role, “Qala” was a thought-provoking film that explored the music industry in the late 40s, as well as the conflict between a mother and a daughter, who detested the latter’s very presence. The film’s captivating cinematography and powerful performances, as well as outstanding music, would have made a lasting impact on the audience in a theatre setting.
“Sirf ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai” [2023]
Directed by Youtuber turned writer cum director Apoorv Singh Karki, the movie “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai” centers on an advocate’s struggles to make his case count, against all odds. Based on the struggles of PC Solanki, the man who led controversial godman Asaram Bapu to prison on the account of sexually assaulting his followers.
The courtroom drama was absolutely gut wrenching, as well intriguing. Though it got a limited screen release, one wonders what would have happened if the makers decided to go for a full-fledged theatrical release.
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While OTT platforms have provided filmmakers with an avenue to showcase their work to a wider audience, certain films possess a cinematic quality that demands the immersive experience of a theatrical release. The aforementioned Indian films, with their exceptional storytelling, compelling performances, and stunning visuals, deserved to be seen on the big screen.
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