By
RUBY ZAIDI
Abhishek Bachchan, widely recognized as one of the most talented actors in the Indian film industry, has carved a niche for himself through his versatility and dedication to cinema. As an accomplished actor, film producer, and entrepreneur, Abhishek has not only showcased his skills in Bollywood but has also expanded his influence into other fields, including sports entrepreneurship. He has delivered several memorable performances in films such as ‘Dhoom,’ ‘Guru,’ ‘Bunty Aur Babli,’ and ‘Yuva,’ earning him widespread appreciation from audiences and critics alike.
His latest project, ‘Be Happy,’ which is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, has been receiving positive reviews from viewers who are lauding the performances and storytelling. The film’s success on the OTT platform has further cemented Abhishek’s growing dominance in the digital entertainment space.
Veteran journalist Sharad Rai, a well-respected figure in the film industry, has shared his insights regarding Abhishek’s journey. According to Rai, “Abhishek Bachchan has been consistently delivering commendable performances in numerous films. Despite this, he has often been unfairly compared to his father, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, ever since his debut. This comparison is not justifiable, as Abhishek is a gifted actor in his own right.”
Speaking on the subject, Sharad Rai elaborated, “There is no second Amitabh Bachchan in Bollywood, and it is unjust to measure Abhishek’s success based on his father’s legacy. He has established his path and made significant contributions to the industry through his distinct acting style and choice of roles.”
Furthermore, Sharad Rai emphasized the impact of OTT platforms in providing Abhishek with a space where he is not constantly compared to his father. “OTT platforms have allowed Abhishek Bachchan to shine on his merit. Here, audiences and critics alike are appreciating him for his talent rather than drawing parallels with Big B,” he stated.
As a result, Abhishek Bachchan is gradually being recognized as a superstar in the digital streaming space. His performances on OTT platforms have been met with widespread applause, reinforcing his status as a bankable actor in this domain.
Just a few days ago, filmmaker Shoojit Sircar’s directorial venture, ‘I Want To Talk,’ premiered on OTT, and social media was flooded with praise for Abhishek’s stellar performance in the film. His portrayal in the movie struck a chord with audiences, further establishing his prowess in delivering compelling digital content.
When asked whether OTT content is Abhishek’s strong suit, Sharad Rai clarified, “No, that’s not entirely true. Abhishek Bachchan has been delivering impressive performances throughout his career. His acting in ‘Guru’ was mesmerizing, and he has given equally powerful performances in movies like ‘Dhoom’ and ‘Yuva,’ among others. However, the appreciation he is receiving on OTT is more noticeable because these platforms offer content that is more story-driven and performance-oriented.”
While Abhishek has undoubtedly proven his mettle as an actor, some of his theatrical releases in recent years have not performed as expected at the box office. Films like ‘I Want To Talk’ and ‘Ghoomer’ did not meet commercial expectations, and it has been some time since he delivered a major box office hit. However, Sharad Rai pointed out that box office setbacks are not unique to Abhishek alone. “Even megastars like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, and Akshay Kumar have faced their share of unsuccessful films. No actor is immune to box office failures, and Abhishek is no exception,” he noted.
Despite the unpredictability of theatrical success, OTT platforms have emerged as a game-changer for Abhishek Bachchan. His performances in digital projects such as ‘I Want To Talk,’ ‘Be Happy,’ and the popular series ‘Breathe: Into The Shadows’ have been met with widespread acclaim. Additionally, his role in the Netflix film ‘Ludo’ received immense appreciation, especially his on-screen chemistry with the child actor in the film, which added an extra charm to the narrative.
Sharad Rai, summing up his observations, said, “Considering all these factors, it might be in Abhishek Bachchan’s best interest to continue focusing on OTT projects for the time being. This platform allows him to experiment with diverse roles and showcase his talent without the constraints of box office numbers. Once the right opportunity presents itself, he can make a grand comeback to the big screen.”
With the success of his digital projects, Abhishek Bachchan has undoubtedly emerged as the reigning superstar of OTT, proving that his talent transcends traditional theatrical boundaries. “At least for now, he is the undisputed superstar of OTT,” Sharad Rai concluded.