The jury of the Indian Panorama Web Series (OTT) section at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, created to mirror India’s rapidly evolving and increasingly dynamic storytelling landscape, were of the opinion that streaming services were not only liberating stories from confines of formula, but were reshaping the creative realm.

Addressing the media yesterday in Goa, jury chairperson Bharatbala, along with distinguished members Shekhar Das, Munjal Shroff and Rajeshwari Sachdev, reflected on the expanding universe of digital narratives and the profound ways in which OTT platforms were reshaping India’s creative culture, an official statement from the festival organisers stated.

Their insights traced not only the shifting grammar of contemporary storytelling but also the growing appetite for authentic, diverse and boundary-pushing content among audiences across the country.

Speaking about the tectonic shift ushered in by OTT platforms, Bharatbala described the medium as “a space that has liberated stories from the confines of formula and convention.” He noted that while many social dramas and regional narratives once vanished from cinema halls, OTT platforms have revived them with renewed energy.

“India is as diverse as a continent. OTT allows us to tell stories of our neighbours, our local environments, our immediate society — stories that would otherwise never surface. This format helps new talent breathe and experiment, allowing gems to rise from grassroots creativity into mainstream cinema,” he observed.

While emphasising the global reach of Indian stories in the streaming era, he said, “Once you put your work on an Amazon or Netflix, it’s global. We must encourage our storytellers to sharpen their craft so our narratives remain rooted, authentic, and yet universal in appeal.”

Reflecting on the influx of unconventional creators — from engineers to self-taught filmmakers — he urged a return to emotional nuance and sensitivity in storytelling.

Veteran filmmaker Das spoke about the artistic responsibilities of digital creators. Calling OTT an exciting extension of cinema, he noted how the format enables immersive explorations of complex social realities.

“Art reflects the conflicts of society,” he said, praising the web series selections for their depth, diversity and honest portrayal of contemporary India. He likened watching an eight-episode series to “experiencing eight independent films,” highlighting the effort and cinematic rigour behind long-form storytelling.

Producer and director Shroff described the OTT revolution as “the democratisation of distribution.” With gatekeeping diminishing and audience choice expanding, he noted that viewers now reward sincerity over stardom.

“It’s refreshing to see creators boldly experimenting across genres. Thanks to OTT and YouTube, filmmakers have the freedom to tell unconventional stories without worrying about box office formulas or television restrictions,” he remarked.

He added that the paradigm of content consumption has changed dramatically, with viewers consciously choosing diverse, sometimes challenging narratives.

Actor Rajeshwari Sachdev highlighted the intimate relationship between viewers and their screens. “With stories streaming into our palms, the appetite for new perspectives has grown,” she observed.

She cited a series on prison life to illustrate how once-taboo subjects were now being explored with honesty and humanity. “These stories might not have made it to the big screen earlier, but today they are being told and watched with curiosity and compassion,” she flagged.