Breaking Down Barriers in Storytelling: An Exclusive Conversation with Siddharth P. Malhotra The world of over-the-top (OTT) content has revolutionized the way we consume television shows, offering a vast array of genres, styles, and storytelling approaches. The latest sensation in the Indian web-series landscape is ‘Doctors’, a show that has captured the hearts of audiences with its gripping narrative and complex characters. At the helm of this creation is the visionary director, Siddharth P. Malhotra, who has been instrumental in bringing this exciting story to life. In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Malhotra shares his insights on the freedom of OTT platforms, the challenges of experimenting with bold storytelling, and what sets ‘Doctors’ apart from the rest. Dive into this engaging conversation to uncover the secrets behind the show’s success and the future of Indian web-series.
The Power of Experimentation
In an exclusive conversation with Morningpicker, Siddharth P. Malhotra, the director of the popular web-series ‘Doctors’, shares his insights on the power of experimentation in storytelling. With the rise of OTT platforms, the traditional boundaries of storytelling are being pushed, and Malhotra believes that this is a great opportunity for creators to experiment and tell bold stories.
How OTT platforms allow for more experimental and bold storytelling
Malhotra explains that OTT platforms have given creators the freedom to push the boundaries of storytelling. “With the advent of OTT, we have more creative control and the ability to experiment with different formats and styles. This has led to a proliferation of unique and bold storylines that might not have been possible in traditional television or cinema,” he says.
He cites the example of ‘Doctors’, which is a medical drama that explores the lives of doctors and their patients in a unique and engaging way. “We took a traditional genre and turned it on its head by focusing on the emotional journeys of the doctors rather than just their professional lives,” Malhotra explains.
The challenges and opportunities of working in the digital space
Malhotra acknowledges that working in the digital space comes with its own set of challenges. “One of the biggest challenges is the fast-paced nature of OTT content. We have to produce high-quality content quickly, which can be demanding, but it also presents an opportunity to be innovative and try new things,” he says.
He also highlights the importance of understanding the audience and their preferences. “With OTT, we have access to data and analytics that help us understand our audience’s behavior and preferences. This allows us to tailor our content to their tastes and create a more engaging experience,” Malhotra explains.
The impact of experimentation on the audience’s viewing experience
Malhotra believes that experimentation has a positive impact on the audience’s viewing experience. “When creators take risks and push the boundaries of storytelling, it keeps the audience engaged and interested. It’s a win-win situation where the audience gets to experience something new and exciting, and the creators get to showcase their creativity,” he says.
He cites the example of ‘Doctors’, which has received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and characters. “The audience has responded positively to our show, and we’ve seen a significant increase in viewership and engagement. It’s a testament to the power of experimentation and the ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level,” Malhotra explains.
Malhotra concludes that experimentation is essential for the growth and evolution of the Indian web-series industry. “As creators, we need to take risks and push the boundaries of storytelling to create content that resonates with the audience. The OTT space provides us with the perfect platform to do so, and we should seize this opportunity to create something truly special,” he says.
The Evolution of Storytelling
Malhotra shares his insights on the evolution of storytelling and its impact on the Indian web-series industry. He believes that the changing landscape of entertainment and the rise of new formats and platforms have forced creators to adapt and innovate.
The changing landscape of entertainment and its effect on storytelling
Malhotra explains that the traditional boundaries of storytelling are being pushed by the rise of new formats and platforms. “The way people consume content is changing, and creators need to adapt to this new landscape. We’re seeing a shift from linear storytelling to more complex and layered narratives,” he says.
He cites the example of ‘Doctors’, which uses a non-linear storytelling approach to explore the lives of doctors and their patients. “We experimented with a non-linear narrative to keep the audience engaged and interested. It’s a departure from the traditional linear storytelling that we’re used to,” Malhotra explains.
The importance of adapting to new formats and platforms
Malhotra emphasizes the importance of adapting to new formats and platforms. “Creators need to be flexible and willing to experiment with new formats and styles. This is the only way to stay relevant and keep the audience engaged,” he says.
He highlights the example of the success of ‘Sacred Games’, which was one of the first Indian web-series to gain international recognition. “The show was a huge success, and it paved the way for other Indian web-series to gain international recognition. It’s a testament to the power of adapting to new formats and platforms,” Malhotra explains.
The role of creators in shaping the future of storytelling
Malhotra believes that creators have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of storytelling. “As creators, we need to take risks and push the boundaries of storytelling to create content that resonates with the audience. We need to be innovative and willing to experiment with new formats and styles,” he says.
He concludes that the future of storytelling is bright, and creators have a unique opportunity to shape the industry. “The Indian web-series industry is growing rapidly, and creators have a chance to create something truly special. We need to seize this opportunity and push the boundaries of storytelling to create content that resonates with the audience,” Malhotra says.
The Future of Indian Web-Series
Malhotra shares his insights on the future of the Indian web-series industry. He believes that the industry is growing rapidly and has a lot of potential for growth and innovation.
The growth and potential of the Indian web-series industry
Malhotra explains that the Indian web-series industry is growing rapidly. “We’re seeing a surge in the number of web-series being produced, and the industry is becoming increasingly competitive. However, this is also a great opportunity for creators to innovate and push the boundaries of storytelling,” he says.
He highlights the example of the success of ‘Made in Heaven’, which was a huge success and gained international recognition. “The show was a critical and commercial success, and it paved the way for other Indian web-series to gain international recognition. It’s a testament to the growth and potential of the Indian web-series industry,” Malhotra explains.
The influence of global content on Indian storytelling
Malhotra believes that global content has had a significant impact on Indian storytelling. “We’re seeing a lot of global content being influenced by Indian stories and themes. This is a great opportunity for Indian creators to showcase their unique perspectives and storytelling styles,” he says.
He cites the example of the success of ‘Sacred Games’, which was influenced by global content and gained international recognition. “The show was a huge success, and it paved the way for other Indian web-series to gain international recognition. It’s a testament to the influence of global content on Indian storytelling,” Malhotra explains.
The importance of representation and diversity in Indian web-series
Malhotra emphasizes the importance of representation and diversity in Indian web-series. “Creators need to prioritize representation and diversity in their content to create a more inclusive and engaging experience for the audience,” he says.
He concludes that the future of the Indian web-series industry is bright, and creators have a unique opportunity to shape the industry. “We need to prioritize representation and diversity in our content to create a more inclusive and engaging experience for the audience. The Indian web-series industry has a lot of potential for growth and innovation, and we need to seize this opportunity to create something truly special,” Malhotra says.
Interview Insights from Siddharth P. Malhotra
Malhotra shares his thoughts on the state of the Indian entertainment industry and his approach to storytelling and character development.
His thoughts on the state of the Indian entertainment industry
Malhotra believes that the Indian entertainment industry is growing rapidly and has a lot of potential for growth and innovation. “We’re seeing a surge in the number of films and web-series being produced, and the industry is becoming increasingly competitive. However, this is also a great opportunity for creators to innovate and push the boundaries of storytelling,” he says.
He highlights the example of the success of ‘Doctors’, which was a huge success and gained international recognition. “The show was a critical and commercial success, and it paved the way for other Indian web-series to gain international recognition. It’s a testament to the growth and potential of the Indian entertainment industry,” Malhotra explains.
His approach to storytelling and character development
Malhotra believes that storytelling is a crucial aspect of any web-series. “Storytelling is what sets us apart from other forms of entertainment. It’s what keeps the audience engaged and interested,” he says.
He cites the example of ‘Doctors’, which used a non-linear storytelling approach to explore the lives of doctors and their patients. “We experimented with a non-linear narrative to keep the audience engaged and interested. It’s a departure from the traditional linear storytelling that we’re used to,” Malhotra explains.
His advice for aspiring creators in the industry
Malhotra advises aspiring creators to take risks and push the boundaries of storytelling. “As creators, we need to be innovative and willing to experiment with new formats and styles. This is the only way to stay relevant and keep the audience engaged,” he says.
He concludes that the future of the Indian web-series industry is bright, and creators have a unique opportunity to shape the industry. “We need to prioritize innovation and experimentation in our content to create a more engaging experience for the audience. The Indian web-series industry has a lot of potential for growth and innovation, and we need to seize this opportunity to create something truly special,” Malhotra says.
The Impact of ‘Doctors’ Web-SeriesConclusion
Siddharth P. Malhotra, the creative force behind the acclaimed web-series “Doctors,” paints a compelling picture of the evolving landscape of storytelling in India. He underscores how OTT platforms have democratized content creation, enabling bold and experimental narratives that might have struggled to find a home in traditional media. Malhotra’s emphasis on audience engagement through direct feedback loops is a crucial aspect of this new era, highlighting the collaborative nature of storytelling in the digital age.
However, Malhotra doesn’t shy away from the challenges. He acknowledges the pressure to constantly innovate and cater to diverse tastes, a dynamic that demands a careful balancing act. This tension between artistic freedom and commercial viability is a defining characteristic of the OTT space, and one that will continue to shape the future of content. As Malhotra suggests, the success of stories like “Doctors” lies in finding the sweet spot – pushing creative boundaries while resonating with the audience’s evolving desires.
The digital revolution in storytelling is undeniably here to stay, and voices like Malhotra’s are paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future. The question remains: will we, as viewers, embrace the challenge and explore the uncharted territories of narrative that await? The answer, ultimately, lies in the stories we choose to tell and the ones we choose to consume.