Farhan Akhtar, the celebrated filmmaker and actor, has consistently led the way in crafting stories that connect with viewers. With his new project, Netflix's Dabba Cartel, he’s breaking new ground once more. In a special chat with OTTplay, Akhtar shares what fuels his creativity, discusses the changing world of OTT content, and tackles the ongoing conversation about casting influenced by social media.

Engagement is key when it comes to storytelling

He thinks that engagement is the key to great storytelling. The filmmaker shared, “Engagement is super important. Whether you’re watching or reading something, if it doesn’t grab your attention, it just doesn’t work. There’s a big difference between just looking at something and actually being involved. When you can connect with a character’s struggles and make their stakes your own, that’s the magic you’re aiming for in your work. So, when we discuss the drug theme and the moral questions around it, it’s not really about the drugs themselves. It’s about cheering for these five or six women who find themselves in a chaotic situation. That human connection to someone else’s story is what makes the experience truly amazing for me.”

The future of uplifting content on streaming platforms

Some people are questioning whether feel-good movies like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Dil Chahta Hai can still find their place among the darker, grittier content that OTT platforms are known for. Akhtar doesn't think that's the case at all. He says, “Not at all. The key is that stories need to be told well; that's what really matters. We created Eternally Confused and Eager for Love (on Netflix), which was a light-hearted coming-of-age series that got its own appreciation. There’s definitely room for all types of content. The main thing is to focus on making it well.”

Social media's impact on casting: A well-rounded view

Ethan Hawke recently described the trend of casting actors based on their Instagram followers as “crazy,” while Vikrant Massey referred to it as an “epidemic.” On the other hand, Akhtar has a more balanced viewpoint. He mentioned, “Honestly, I’ve heard about this mostly in relation to brands. When there’s a brand partnership involved, that’s when it really comes up. Personally, I haven’t experienced it much, maybe because as producers, we’re focused on finding the right fit for our films rather than checking social media stats. But I guess it’s a thing. And who are we to judge what’s right or wrong? If someone values that, it’s part of who they are (laughs), so let them be. You know what I mean? Everything can be seen as good or bad, depending on your perspective. If you don’t try to understand where someone else is coming from, it’ll always seem off. The bottom line is, no one with a huge following can have a lasting career without real talent.”

Captivating audiences in today's digital age

In today's fast-paced digital world, where people have shorter attention spans, how does he keep a story engaging enough for binge-watching? For Akhtar, it all comes down to instinct. He shares, “Honestly, you really have to trust your gut here. You don’t have a choice. Even if it leads to failure, it’s better to stick with your own beliefs rather than someone else’s. If you go with someone else’s ideas, you might end up feeling resentful, thinking you should have listened to your own instincts. So, it’s crucial to stay true to your vision of what’s good and bad while constantly learning about the world around you. And I’m not just talking about social media; I mean keeping up with the news, reading books, traveling, and really understanding what’s happening globally. This growth is a vital part of a filmmaker’s journey.”

Dabba Cartel is currently streaming on Netflix.

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