Sriram Raghavan Says Big-Screen Experience Remains Paramount, Urges Young Filmmakers to Watch Classics Like Guide and Bandini

Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan believes that cinema halls remain the primary medium for experiencing films, even as OTT platforms have transformed the way audiences consume content. The acclaimed director, known for his neo-noir thrillers, has emphasised that watching a film on the big screen offers a unique experience that cannot be replicated by streaming at home. He also urged young filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts not to dismiss older films as outdated, pointing out that classics continue to offer valuable lessons in storytelling and filmmaking.

Speaking about the relationship between theatrical releases and OTT platforms, Sriram explained that he continues to make films primarily for the big screen. While he acknowledged the convenience and accessibility offered by streaming services, he maintained that the experience of watching a film in a cinema hall remains central to his understanding of the medium.

“I believe the big screen is the primary medium; everything else is essentially a spin-off. I make films for the big screen—they may eventually land on OTT, and while OTT offers advantages—unlike the days of DVD libraries where one had to go out and choose or buy a title—the big-screen experience remains paramount. The joy of the cinema hall is unique; OTT offers a completely different experience,” he said.

Sriram's comments highlight how theatrical viewing and streaming serve different purposes for audiences. OTT platforms have made it easier to discover and revisit films without leaving home, while cinema halls offer a shared experience built around the scale, sound and atmosphere of a collective viewing. For the director, the growing popularity of digital platforms does not diminish the importance of creating films for theatrical exhibition.

The filmmaker also spoke passionately about the enduring relevance of classic Indian cinema, urging aspiring filmmakers to look beyond contemporary releases and explore the works of earlier generations. He specifically mentioned films such as Guide and Bandini, encouraging his students and assistants to watch these movies repeatedly rather than dismissing them simply because they were made decades ago.

“I would simply say—regarding what you refer to as ‘old’ films—that it is a mistake to dismiss them that way. There are so many excellent films; I constantly urge my students and assistants to watch them—films like Guide, Bandini, and so many others—and to watch them repeatedly. I believe there is so much to be gained and learned from those movies; we shouldn't just brush them aside as merely ‘old films.’ They are the real deal,” Sriram said.

His remarks underline the importance of studying cinema across generations. Classics can offer aspiring filmmakers valuable insights into character development, visual storytelling, performances and narrative structure. By recommending repeated viewings, Sriram also suggests that the craft behind a great film can reveal itself in ways that may not be apparent during a single watch.

Known for his distinctive approach to Hindi cinema, Sriram Raghavan has established himself as one of the industry's most recognisable directors of neo-noir thrillers. His filmmaking is associated with unexpected twists, dark humour, morally complex characters and carefully constructed narratives. Through his views on theatrical cinema and older classics, he has reiterated the value of understanding the medium's history while continuing to create stories for audiences today.