EXCLUSIVE: ‘Hope OTT will focus more on real content than star value,’ says Siya director Manish Mundra

Producer-Director Manish Mundra is all set to release his hard-hitting drama Siya on the digital medium. The film will stream on Zee5 from June 16 and stars Vineet Kumar Singh and Pooja Pandey. As he gears up for Siya’s OTT release, Manish got in an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Bubble. He shared his views on the evolution of OTT in India.

Manish Mundra on content vs star value on OTT

When asked if he felt that OTT has become a medium for smaller quality-driven cinema, Manish says that it is still in the process. He insists, “It will take time as OTT is still evolving in India. I strongly feel that with more and more content-driven cinema coming in, OTT platform will also work with and promote more independent films and filmmakers, rather than focusing on star and star value, which currently they are focusing on.”

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Siya director Manish opens up on evolution of OTT in India

However, Manish also understands why the situation is as is. He says, “But I will give them the benefit of doubt because they are all in the process of evolving, capturing audiences and the number of viewership. So, they are all in that rush right now. But once things settle down and some consolidation happen in the industry, they will focus on the real content. It should happen in the next 2-3 years.”

More details on Siya

Siya tells the story of a rape victim on her journey to get justice. The hard-hitting drama was released in theatres last year with Pooja Pandey as the titular character. Manish informs that they knew that the character required a fresh face from starting. He says, “She had to look 17 years old and don’t have the baggage of being a renowned actor. There are not many dialogues in the film for Siya, it’s her eyes and expressions that count. During auditions, that was our concern and Pooja fitted into that.”

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The film also features Vineet Kumar Singh, and Manish says that he was always the choice for Mahendra’s character. He shares, “When we were writing the character of Mahendra, Vineet is the only one coming to my mind. We had worked together before on 2 films. So, when I called him I told that it might not be the lead role, but it is very pivotal to the story. He was kind enough to say that whatever I have in mind, he would be happy to come on board. When I sent him the script, he said yes immediately.”

Manish is known for making some poignant content-driven films. He even backed RajKummar Rao- starrer Newton which was in Oscar consideration from India. He has also produced Kamyaab and Love Hostel.

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