EXCLUSIVE: Akash Makhija Reveals Why Character-Driven Stories Thrive On OTT; Says, “Aap Rs 400 Deke Theatre Jaaoge But…”

With the rise of OTT platforms, the entertainment landscape has undergone a significant transformation, creating opportunities for actors beyond conventional hero-centric roles. Akash Makhija believes this shift has allowed character-driven storytelling to flourish, giving performers a chance to shine based on talent rather than star power. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Bubble, the actor opened up about why audiences are increasingly prioritising compelling stories over famous faces, how shrinking attention spans have made Instagram Reels the biggest competition for web shows, and why cinema, OTT, and short-form content can peacefully coexist in today’s evolving entertainment ecosystem. Scroll down to read the story and watch the full interview.

Akash Makhija Opens Up On How OTT Has Given More Space To Actors

When asked about how OTT is giving more space to actors, Akash Makhija said, “It’s more of a character-driven medium, you can say. Because I think aap koi bhi show utha lo, aaj jo bhi OTT par aa rahe hain, har show ka main protagonist bhi ek character hi hai. You know, you see Hathoda Tyagi in Paatal Lok, ya phir aap koi bhi show utha lo, woh ek character hi hai. Woh apne hero looks ki wajah se thodi na chal raha hai. Toh I think sabne apna-apna space dhoondh liya hai. And I’m so thankful ki India as an audience is evolving, and they’re asking for stories rather than who’s the face of that story.”

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He continued, “Obviously, if you go to the big screen, people go there for entertainment. They need those faces. Aap Rs 400 dekar ticket lete ho, toh aap sochte ho, ‘Mujhe koi bada star dekhna hai, mujhe entertain hona hai.’ But I think on OTT, it’s a little different. Wahan log kehte hain, ‘We want stories.’ Aaj agar main raat ko ghar aake koi web show start karta hoon, I want a very good story. I don’t care kaunsa chehra hai. I want good performances. I want to feel something.”

Akash Reasons How Attention Span Has Decreased

The actor continued, “Otherwise, attention span itna kam ho gaya hai. Aap show dekhkar sirf 5 minutes mein decide kar lete ho ki aage dekhna hai ya nahi. Otherwise, you’ll go back to reels. Main keh raha hoon na, aaj hamare show ka competition kisi doosre show se nahi hai. Uska competition Instagram Reels se hai. Either you will watch the show, or you’ll spend time watching reels. Uss level ka attention span hogaya hai. Why do you think vertical videos are working? Why do you think reels are working? Because they give you an experience bahut hi kam seconds mein. Sirf 60 seconds mein aap kuch dekh lete ho, right? Toh sab kuch available hai.”

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A post shared by Akash Makhija (@akashmakhija94)

Concluding, he said, “Cinema ka apna experience hai. Jahan aap ek theatre mein jaake, paise dekar ek immersive experience lete ho. OTT ka apna experience hai, jahan aap phone par show dekhte ho aur us duniya ka hissa ban jaate ho. And then there are reels. You watch one, and then you just keep watching different, different reels. Toh har jagah sab kuch available hai. Har koi apni space bana raha hai. And I’m glad ki maine apni space yahan bana li hai.”

Akash Makhija is currently enjoying the success of Raakh and Gram Chikitsalay S2.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: ‘Babu’ Akash Makhija Breaks Silence On Wife Roshni’s Viral Reaction To Criminal Character In Raakh; States, “She Was Pissed”

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.