Shocking: Telugu OTT Sinks to New Low, Casting Controversy – M9 – Released 14/02/2023

The Dark Side of OTT: Has the Pandemic of Binge-Worthy Content Finally Reached its Breaking Point?

The world of Indian OTT has been on a wild ride, with new shows and movies popping up left and right, catering to our insatiable hunger for endless entertainment. But, with the rise of the digital medium, it seems like the quality has taken a backseat, and the line between good and bad content has become increasingly blurred. Our latest victim of scrutiny is the web series “Koobali” (also referred to as “Kobali”), which has left us wondering – has the OTT industry finally sunk into filth?

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In this article, we’ll dive into the review of the recently released “Kobali” web series on M9, where we’ll dissect its plot, acting, direction, and other essential aspects that make a show truly great. But, more importantly, we’ll ask the question that’s been on everyone’s mind

I. Introduction to Kobali Web Series and the Controversy

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The Telugu OTT space has emerged as a parallel industry to the theatrical system in India, becoming the biggest dent in theatrical collections. There is now a clear divide between theatrical and OTT viewing, as audiences decide which titles to wait for on streaming platforms. However, looking at the Telugu OTT space, it’s saddening to see the filth creeping into it. Take the most recent Telugu web series, Kobali, streaming on Hotstar, for example.

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A. Overview of Kobali Web Series

Kobali on Disney+ Hotstar is filled with unnecessary, crude language, with dialogues inserted for no reason. Characters randomly start using all kinds of filthy language. While OTT audiences already have to deal with mediocrity and poor content, one wonders why there is a need for such excessive profanity and harsh dialogues, making it awkward for families trying to watch a show like Kobali together.

Many Telugu makers, including this one, seem more focused on shock value and attracting youth rather than creating engaging, high-quality web series. They believe that simply injecting filthy language and having actors mouth vulgar dialogues in the name of ruggedness will work.

B. The Filth in Kobali: Crude Language and Unnecessary Profanity

At the end of the day, these filmmakers need to focus on content, improve their writing, and refine their craft instead of relying on excessive profanity for no reason. Kobali is not the only example, just the latest one—a perfect waste of time. One can’t help but wonder why such an extremely poorly written and directed web series needed so much crude language in the first place.

The backslash against excessive profanity in Telugu OTT space is a growing concern. Many viewers are outraged by the increasing trend of unnecessary profanity in web series, and are calling for better content.

II. The State of Telugu OTT Content

A. Comparing Theatrical and OTT Viewing Experiences

There is a clear divide between theatrical and OTT viewing, as audiences decide which titles to wait for on streaming platforms. While theatrical releases offer a unique experience, OTT platforms have become a popular choice for viewers due to their convenience and affordability.

However, the quality of content on OTT platforms has become a concern. Many web series lack engaging storylines, poor writing, and subpar directing, making for a disappointing viewing experience.

B. Focus on Shock Value and Youth Appeal in Telugu OTT

Many Telugu makers are focused on creating content that appeals to the youth, rather than creating engaging, high-quality web series. They believe that simply injecting filthy language and having actors mouth vulgar dialogues in the name of ruggedness will work.

However, this approach is not only unsuccessful but also off-putting for many viewers. Families are increasingly avoiding web series due to excessive profanity and harsh dialogues, making it essential for creators to focus on content and quality.

C. Poor Writing and Directing: An Analysis

The writing and directing of many web series are subpar, lacking depth and coherence. Characters are poorly developed, and plot twists are predictable and unengaging.

This is not only a concern for viewers but also for creators who are struggling to make a mark in the industry. By focusing on quality content, writers and directors can create engaging and memorable stories that captivate audiences.

III. The Role of Content and Quality in OTT Success

A. Importance of Engaging, High-Quality Web Series

Engaging, high-quality web series are essential for the success of OTT platforms. They provide a unique viewing experience, keep audiences engaged, and create a loyal fan base.

By focusing on quality content, creators can attract new viewers, increase subscriptions, and drive revenue for OTT platforms.

B. Inspiration from the Best Shows

The best web series are those that have a clear vision, well-developed characters, and engaging storylines. They are often inspired by real-life events, literature, or folklore, making them relatable and memorable.

Creators can learn from the best shows by studying their writing, directing, and production techniques. By incorporating these elements into their own work, they can create high-quality content that resonates with audiences.

C. Balancing Strong Language and Storytelling

Strong language and storytelling can be balanced by using it effectively and sparingly. Creators can use language to enhance the emotional depth of a scene or to convey a character’s personality, rather than relying on it as a crutch.

By focusing on storytelling and character development, creators can create engaging content that resonates with audiences, without relying on excessive profanity and harsh dialogues.

IV. Netflix’s 2025 Lineup: Hits and Misses

A. Impressive Casts and Underwhelming Storylines

Netflix has revealed its exciting lineup for 2025, featuring impressive casts and big-budget productions. However, upon closer inspection, many of the storylines seem unengaging and predictable.

While the casts are impressive, the lack of originality and creativity in the storylines is a concern. Creators need to focus on developing unique and engaging stories that captivate audiences, rather than relying on familiar formulas.

B. Renewed Series and Exciting New Shows

Among the lineup, some renewed series and new shows show promise. Delhi Crime, Kohrra, and Rana Naidu are getting a second season, while Black Warrant has already been released and received positive reviews.

The addition of new shows like Dabba Cartel, starring an empowering ensemble of powerful women, is a welcome change. However, the lack of originality and creativity in many of the storylines is a concern.

C. The BADS of Bollywood: A Standout Project

One project that stands out from the lineup is The BADS of Bollywood, directed by Aryan Khan. This project shows promise, with an impressive cast and a unique storyline that explores the darker side of the Bollywood industry.

Aryan Khan’s directorial debut is a welcome change, and his involvement in the project is a testament to the industry’s willingness to take risks and try new things.

V. Bollywood’s 2023 Crisis and the Potential OTT Saviors

A. SRK’s Impact on Bollywood’s Box Office

Bollywood was in a crisis in 2023, with the industry struggling to deliver hits. However, with Shah Rukh Khan’s involvement, the box office saw a significant improvement, thanks to his films like Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki.

SRK’s impact on the industry is undeniable, and his influence has helped to revive the box office. His involvement in The BADS of Bollywood is a testament to his commitment to the industry and his willingness to take risks.

B. Aryan Khan’s OTT Directorial Debut

Aryan Khan’s OTT directorial debut is a significant development in the industry. As the son of Shah Rukh Khan, his involvement in the project is a testament to the industry’s willingness to take risks and try new things.

Aryan Khan’s directorial debut shows promise, with a unique storyline and an impressive cast. His involvement in the project is a welcome change, and his commitment to the industry is commendable.

C. Will SRK and Aryan Khan Save the OTT Space?

While SRK’s involvement has helped to revive the box office, it remains to be seen whether he and Aryan Khan can save the OTT space from a similar slump. The industry needs to focus on creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with audiences.

By focusing on quality content and taking risks, creators can create engaging and memorable stories that captivate audiences and drive revenue for OTT platforms.

Conclusion

In our article, “Kobali Web Series – Has OTT Sunk Into Filth? – M9,” we explored the declining standards of content on popular Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. The series in question, “Kobali,” exemplifies the trend of excessive and gratuitous content that has become a hallmark of modern OTT entertainment. We argued that the proliferation of low-quality content on OTT platforms has led to a blurring of the lines between edgy storytelling and explicit exploitation. Furthermore, we highlighted the significant impact this trend has on the audience, including desensitization, objectification, and the normalization of explicit content.

The significance of this topic extends beyond the realm of entertainment, as it speaks to the broader societal implications of the OTT revolution. The ease with which content can be produced, distributed, and consumed has created a culture of instant gratification, where quality and artistic merit are often sacrificed for the sake of shock value and popularity. This raises important questions about the role of the creator, the audience, and the platform in shaping the narrative. Moreover, the rise of OTT has also highlighted the need for a more nuanced conversation about the boundaries of free speech, censorship, and artistic expression.

As we move forward, it is essential that we, as a society, reevaluate our relationship with OTT content and hold creators and platforms accountable for the content they produce. We must also engage in a more meaningful dialogue about the impact of explicit content on our culture and the consequences of its normalization. The question remains: will we continue to succumb to the pressures of instant gratification, or will we rise above and demand a higher standard of storytelling? The answer lies in our collective responsibility to shape the future of entertainment and to reclaim our right to meaningful, thought-provoking content.