Why Indian OTT Platforms Favor Western Formats Over Rich Local Literature and Folklore

 Indian OTT platforms often adapt Western shows, such as Good Wife or  *Mistry*, instead of exploring the deep reservoir of Indian literature and folklore. This trend continues, even though urban audiences are familiar with the original Western versions and there is significant potential in Indian narratives. Several factors contribute to this reliance on foreign formats, often sidelining India's rich storytelling traditions.

Firstly, Western formats have a proven track record of success. Shows like The Good Wife have a global appeal, offering a low-risk blueprint for Indian platforms looking to capture urban viewers. These audiences are often well-versed in international content through streaming services or piracy and tend to respond positively to familiar narrative structures. By localizing these formats—in India—platforms create content that feels fresh yet safe. This strategy minimizes financial risk while appealing to cosmopolitan viewers who seek globally relevant content.

Secondly, adapting Western shows is often faster and more cost-effective than developing original stories based on Indian literature or folklore. Creating narratives from works by authors like Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, or Chetan Bhagat requires extensive research and nuanced writing to convey complex themes in an engaging, binge-worthy format. Similarly, adapting folklore—whether from the *Panchatantra*, regional myths, or epics like the Mahabharata—demands cultural sensitivity and creative reimagining to resonate with modern urban audiences. Many platforms may lack the infrastructure or willingness to take on such projects, leading them to choose pre-tested Western templates that streamline production.

Urban audience preferences also drive this trend. Many Indian OTT viewers, particularly English-speaking urbanites, are exposed to Western shows and often find their polished, fast-paced storytelling more relatable than narratives rooted in Indian literature or folklore. The latter can sometimes seem "rural" or less contemporary to this demographic, despite its richness. For example, a modern thriller inspired by Indian mythology might struggle to compete with the sleek appeal of an adaptation like Suits Consequently, platforms prioritize content that aligns with these globalized tastes, even if viewers have already seen the original Western versions.

Moreover, the Indian production ecosystem often lacks writers and directors skilled in transforming rich literary or folkloric sources into modern formats. While Indian literature in English presents urban-relevant stories, its introspective or niche themes can be difficult to translate into mass-appeal shows. Folklore, on the other hand, risks misrepresentation or oversimplification, which could lead to cultural backlash. By choosing Western adaptations, platforms can avoid these challenges.

However, this reliance on Western formats overlooks the potential of Indian narratives. Successful shows like Aarya and Paatal Lok demonstrate that blending local stories with global storytelling methods can be effective. Epics, modern Indian novels, and urban folklore-inspired thrillers could captivate audiences if platforms invest in bold, authentic adaptations. The hesitation to do so often stems from commercial caution and a lack of creative vision, but tapping into India’s literary and cultural wealth could differentiate Indian OTT platforms in a crowded market.