The Indian OTT industry is facing a "dangerous inflection point" where creative ambition risks being overshadowed by formulas and data, according to filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane. Motwane, known for his work on both critically acclaimed films and web series, expressed his concerns about the direction the industry is heading.

Motwane believes that the early years of OTT platforms in India provided unparalleled freedom for filmmakers. This freedom allowed them to push boundaries that were previously restricted in cinema. Now, he warns, there's a risk of pulling back just when things were getting interesting.

His comments come at a time when Bollywood is facing increasing scrutiny, with many big-budget films failing at the box office. Motwane has also spoken about the challenges facing the Hindi film industry, highlighting a lack of clarity in its creative direction and comparing it to the rapidly developing South Indian film industry. He observed that regional industries are progressing while the Hindi film industry is struggling. Before the pandemic, smaller Hindi films like "Masaan" and "Newton" were appreciated in theaters, but that is no longer the case.

Motwane addressed what he sees as the biggest problem in the OTT space: restraining writers. He urges the industry to "let writers free," emphasizing the incredible talent of writers and creators in India. He believes that experimentation is essential for the survival and growth of the medium. He pointed to shows like "Bads of Bollywood" as proof that audiences are ready for more experimental content.

Motwane also discussed his series "Black Warrant," explaining how the show deliberately avoided spectacle-driven storytelling. He emphasized the importance of viewers caring about the characters rather than just the plot twists. "Black Warrant" recently won Best OTT Series at the Filmfare OTT Awards 2025, where Motwane also won Best Director (Series).

In light of the rise of streaming platforms and their increasing reliance on data and algorithms, Motwane's warning highlights a crucial debate within the Indian entertainment industry. The question is whether creative freedom can coexist with data-driven decision-making, or whether the pursuit of algorithms will stifle originality and experimentation. He isn't alone in this sentiment, as other filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap and Kiran Rao have voiced similar concerns about tech control and OTT release norms.