Wasted actors in OTT shows have become one of the biggest disappointments for Indian viewers. What’s worse than watching an unnecessarily long web series? Watching brilliant actors struggle under weak scripts, miscasting, or painfully limited screen time.
While Bollywood films have a long history of wasting talent, recent OTT shows seem to be following the same path. Despite unlimited runtime and creative freedom, several series failed to do justice to their most powerful performers.
Here’s a closer look at 10 OTT shows where actors were completely wasted, leaving audiences frustrated and disappointed.
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Table of Contents
1. Tahir Raj Bhasin in Ranjish Hi Sahi
Tahir Raj Bhasin proved his acting prowess in Mardaani and several projects after that. Expectations were high when he landed the lead role in Ranjish Hi Sahi. Unfortunately, the inconsistent writing and confused character arc never allowed him to shine. This is a textbook example of wasted actors in OTT shows, where casting promise was let down by a fragile script.
2. R. Madhavan in Decoupled
Decoupled would have barely changed if R. Madhavan wasn’t part of it—and that says a lot. Watching such a versatile actor play Arya Iyer felt like a missed opportunity. Ironically, fans found themselves missing his older flawed characters rather than connecting with this poorly written role.
3. Rasika Dugal in A Suitable Boy
After powerful performances in Qissa, Manto, and Mirzapur, Rasika Dugal was shockingly reduced to a blink-and-miss appearance in A Suitable Boy. For a series boasting a massive ensemble cast, this was one of the most painful cases of wasted actors in OTT shows.
4. Regina Cassandra in Rocket Boys
Rocket Boys deserves credit for portraying women in a period drama. However, Regina Cassandra’s portrayal of Mrinalini Sarabhai deserved far more screen time and emotional depth. Her character was pivotal in real life—but underwritten on screen.
5. Kalki Koechlin in Sacred Games
Kalki Koechlin’s entry in Season 2 of Sacred Games raised expectations. Initially, Batya Abelman appeared important, but the character slowly faded into irrelevance. For an actor who can elevate even weak material, this felt like another missed chance.
6. Naseeruddin Shah in Kaun Banegi Shikharwati
This one hurts the most. When an actor of Naseeruddin Shah’s calibre feels wasted, something is seriously wrong. Despite leading the show, his performance was trapped in an amateurish storyline that failed to match his range or legacy.
7. Parambrata Chatterjee in Aranyak
Parambrata Chatterjee did receive attention in Aranyak, but the writing never fully supported his character. A tighter script could have transformed his role into something truly memorable instead of merely adequate.
8. Sheeba Chaddha in Bandish Bandits
Sheeba Chaddha conveyed more through silence and expressions than the script ever provided. While she delivered yet another strong performance, her underdeveloped role stands as a prime example of wasted actors in OTT shows.
9. Sobhita Dhulipala in Bard of Blood
Sobhita Dhulipala had already established herself as a breakout star. However, in Bard of Blood, her character functioned more as a narrator than an active participant. Her presence deserved narrative weight—not commentary.
10. Entire Cast in Tandav
With Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, Sunil Grover, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Tandav had everything—except a solid script. Despite the star power, the show collapsed under clichés and a drowning plot, wasting almost every actor involved.
Why Wasted Actors in OTT Shows Are Becoming Common
OTT platforms offer creative freedom, longer formats, and diverse storytelling. Yet, poor writing and rushed production continue to waste exceptional talent. The industry doesn’t lack great actors—or audiences. What it lacks is writing that respects performance.
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