Karan Tacker, who transitioned to the OTT space with acclaimed projects like ‘Special Ops’ and ‘Khakee: The Bihar Chapter’, is currently filming what he calls his most creatively fulfilling venture. “In my 15-year career, this project has been the most collaborative and liberating experience as an artiste,” he shares.
Tacker appreciates how OTT platforms have provided equal opportunities for actors, but he acknowledges the growing presence of film stars in the medium. When asked if this disrupts the equality OTT initially offered, he states, “It doesn’t bother me that everyone can work here. It’s an open platform.” However, he raises concerns about industry biases favoring film actors over others.
He points out the unfairness when film actors, despite not being the best fit or lacking a strong box-office record, are prioritized due to their “star” label. “That obsession needs to dial down,” Tacker asserts. He adds that the problem extends beyond creators and platforms, involving media as well. “When the industry starts giving credibility to everyone, only then will there be true equality.”
The actor also highlights the financial repercussions of this bias. “Platforms often overpay film actors who don’t deliver results. For instance, if an actor is worth 1 crore but comes from films, they might be paid 22 crores for a show that doesn’t even perform well. This breaks the platform’s backbone,” he explains.
Tacker emphasizes how this affects others in the industry. He criticizes platforms for greenlighting second seasons of underperforming shows starring film actors while downsizing budgets for other projects. “When season one isn’t consumed, but you still sanction season two, you end up cutting costs on other promising shows. Producers get less money, and actors from non-film backgrounds are underpaid. This model is flawed.”
He concludes with a strong stance on fairness. “I have no issue with film actors on OTT, but if they can’t run a film, how can they run a show here? It’s creatively unfair and steals opportunities from deserving talent. That’s what truly bothers me.”