Yash Raj Films’ Saiyaara was one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, and several years. It is now available on Netflix, but this the work is accompanied by heavy trolling.
How is the glaring discrepancy explainable?
The intrepid trade analyst Amod Mehra hits the nail on the head. “You can buy tickets to make it a hit. But on OTT, the true verdict cannot be concealed. In cinema you can have paid audience. But on OTT a film’s fate is declared by true audience.”
According to a trade expert who wishes to not be named, the two platforms have separate audience profiles. “A lot of the hype and footfalls for the so-called blockbusters in the cinemas are generated on paper. I am not saying Saiyaara was not a hit. On the contrary it is a massive success. But at least a portion of the success is just hype, and fudged numbers. On OTT the audience is more genuine, not influenced by paid reviews and other extraneous circumstances. This unbiased audience has erupted on OTT to express unflattering opinions on Saiyaara.”
