Namit Das on choosing YouTube over long-form streaming: 'People don’t have time, that’s why short-format storytelling works'

Namit Das on choosing YouTube over long-form streaming: 'People don’t have time, that’s why short-format storytelling works'

Actor Namit Das stars in Hamara Vinayak, a short-format Swastik Stories series that combines faith, emotion and everyday life. At a time when long, high-budget web series dominate streaming platforms, Namit believes the timing is perfect for shorter, sharper stories.

Speaking about why the format works today, Namit told Moneycontrol, “The answer to your question is actually that people don't have time. I think time is very short. And everyone wants to move on from one thing to the other. The audience has been bombarded with content at this point of time. I think the short format, in fact, works the most.”

He shared that viewers appreciated being able to receive a complete emotional story without committing an hour of their day. However, he emphasized that shorter episodes do not mean lesser effort. According to him, the craft becomes even more demanding.

“If we say short format, then it doesn't mean that the effort is also short. You will have to work as much as you have to. In fact, you will have to do more. Because you have to establish a lot of storylines and characters in such a short time. It takes a lot of neat work.”

Namit also credits the show’s layered direction and storytelling to the creative team. “There are so many things, which I realized on my third viewing of the episode.

It’s so layered. The directors Pankaj and Ashu, and Agastaya Jain who created the show — it's phenomenal what they have done.”

A major reason Namit considers this format special is accessibility. Since the show is free on YouTube, it brings the actor directly closer to the audience.

Also Read: Saloni Daini on what drew her to Hamara Vinayak: 'I don't want to do just comedy, would love to explore everything' – Exclusive

“This form brings you closest to the consumer. The show is available for free. Everyone has YouTube. You just click the link, you don’t even need a subscription. Imagine the comfort level. It's very encouraging, and it's the time to be closest to your audience.”

Working with his younger co-stars was also a highlight for him. Their energy and ease inspired him.

“It was fantastic. It really revived my energy. They’re such good actors. They’re so comfortable in front of the camera. There’s so much to learn from them. Saloni is so talented. There is no pretense — she is the character. You completely believe in them.”

With over two decades of experience in film, television and theatre, Namit reflected on what the profession has taught him.

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“The journey is too long to be summed up in one sentence. There have been low points and high points. But this profession teaches you a lot. As an actor, you are constantly putting yourself out there. Anyone who has survived in the industry for more than 15–20 years has learned similar lessons. I’ve learned to just go with the flow and wait for the right parts to come to you. Loving yourself is very important. It will give its own results.”

As Hamara Vinayak continues releasing weekly episodes, Namit encourages audiences to stay with the story.

“Just be tuned in, yaar. This is just the beginning. Every week, you’ll be blessed with one blessing. It is a complex story, but the presentation reaches the heart.”