New Delhi, Nov. 5 -- Top film stars may have largely refrained from acting in web series or OTT (over-the-top) originals, continuing to rely on the charm and scale of theatrical releases. Yet, that hasn't stopped them from stepping in as producers-backing niche, small-budget streaming shows that serve multiple purposes.

For one, their name adds brand heft, helping market and promote shows at a time when OTT platforms are cautious about greenlighting new content. It also keeps stars in the public eye between big film releases. Actor Hrithik Roshan, who recently announced a content vertical that will produce a web original for Amazon Prime Video, is the latest in a line of mainstream actors following this path-joining Shah Rukh Khan, Anush...