The relationship between theatrical and streaming releases has been contentious since the pandemic, but the more interesting story is how streaming has changed the types of films that get made in India. The availability of digital platforms has created space for stories that theatrical economics would never have supported.
From small-town dramas to experimental documentaries, from anthology films to limited series — streaming has expanded the definition of what Indian cinema can be. The challenge now is ensuring that this creative expansion doesn't come at the cost of theatrical cinema's unique power.