Rani Mukerji open to OTT debut? Mardaani actress says 'as long as my producer...'

Rani Mukerji is known for doing impactful films wherein her character drives the narrative of the film. She was last seen in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway which was released on the big screen on March 17. The actress essayed the role of a distressed Indian mother, who fights the system to regain the custody of her children from Norwegian foster care. In a new interview, the actor shared her views on the changing mediums of cinema and how it helps women characters in films. 

3 things you need to know 

• Rani Mukerji was last seen in Mrs Chatterjee vs. Norway.
• The actress made her debut in the Hindi film industry in 1996. 
• She has acted in more than 50 films.

Rani Mukerji on actresses getting meatier roles on OTT

With films like Human, Jalsa, Bulbul, Masaba Masaba, The Trial and several other women-driven content streaming on digital platforms, a conversation about changing women’s role in cinema has become imperative. In an interview with Film Companion, Rani Mukerji was asked if she thinks the spurt in OTT releases has changed the narrative for women onscreen. 

(Rani Mukerji at Mrs Chatterjee vs Noway film screening | Image: Varinder Chawla)

To this, the Black actress admitted, “Of course, I think anything that changes the landscape for women is best and women wanting to do it is best as long as people see our work because we actors can only thrive when people watch our work.” She added that as an actor, it is most important for her that people from all over the world see her films and not the theatre audience. 

Rani Mukerji opines why some films are good for OTT release only 

Rani Mukerji also shed light on why some movies get a direct-to-digital release. She said, “There are different reasons why a film cannot be made for theatrical experience whether it’s the monetization, whether the audience is really wanting to go and see a certain piece but they’re comfortable watching it in the confines of their homes, so be it.”

However, she expressed her reservation about the streaming platforms and said that she believes in giving her audience a “theatrical experience with the woman being the central character who is driving the narrative.”

(Rani Mukerji has never featured in an OTT release | Image: House of Masaba/Instagram)

She added that as long as her producers continue to make money from her movies, she will continue to do only theatrical releases. She hoped the audience would come to watch the film. Rani Mukerji is yet to make her OTT debut. The actress will be seen next in Mardaani 3.