Anubhav Sinha’s Direct Stance: “I Will Never Take a Film Directly to OTT”; Theaters Remain Top Priority

In an era where many filmmakers find it safer to release mid-sized films directly on digital streaming platforms, director Anubhav Sinha—known for hard-hitting dramas like Article 15 and Mulk—is standing his ground. Sinha has made it clear that despite the growing popularity of OTT, his commitment to the theatrical experience remains unshakable.

“No One Suggests OTT to Me Anymore”

During a recent interaction, Sinha was asked if anyone suggested bypassing theaters for his latest courtroom drama, ‘Assi’, especially since it underperformed at the box office but found a massive audience after its digital premiere. His response was characteristically blunt:

“Nobody says that to me because it is now established that I will not take a film to OTT directly. It’s always for the theaters first.”

The Strategy Behind Social Thrillers

How does a filmmaker continue to produce niche, socially relevant content like Article 15 (2019) or Assi if they don’t always shatter box office records? Sinha explains that the secret lies in precise budgeting and the power of a unique voice.

• Smart Budgeting: Sinha argues that a film like Article 15 is actually “easier” for a studio to back than a massive commercial thriller like Dus (2005) because it requires significantly less capital.
• Respect for Content: He believes that while a studio might initially be hesitant about a gritty subject, they respect a filmmaker who tries to break new ground. “Money respects a unique voice,” he noted, emphasizing that content with a soul will always find its backers.

The Digital Life of ‘Assi’

Starring Taapsee Pannu, Assi made its digital premiere on Zee5 last month. While the theatrical footfall was lower than expected, the film has been trending on the streamer, receiving widespread acclaim from critics and digital viewers alike. For Sinha, this validates the quality of the film, but it doesn’t change his distribution philosophy. He views the digital release as a “second life” for a film, rather than its primary destination.

Reliability & Perspective (E-E-A-T)

This report is based on recent media interviews and industry analysis regarding film distribution trends in 2026. Anubhav Sinha’s perspective provides an authoritative look at the ongoing debate between traditional theatrical releases and the rise of digital-first content.

Disclaimer: This article is based on recent interviews and media reports. Decisions regarding film releases and distribution are at the sole discretion of the respective production houses and directors.