The OTT revolution is very much prevalent in the Indian film industry. Several notable biggies have gone the OTT way since the onset of the Covid pandemic. Also, top OTT platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix are readily shelling out big bucks for the post theatrical rights of big-ticket films. However, master craftsman SS Rajamouli who is awaiting the release of his upcoming big-budget action drama RRR has downplayed the OTT revolution, albeit in a categorical manner.
“Theatrical industry and OTT will continue to co-exist. OTT can’t uproot the theatrical industry in any which way. Also, I don’t see OTT causing much of an impact on the theatrical revenues. The audience will continue to step out to watch larger-than-life films in theatres. The onus is now on filmmakers to conceive and present content that well and truly deserves the big screen experience,” Rajamouli said.
Well, Rajamouli has subtly downplayed the OTT wave, saying it is not showing much impact on the theatrical industry. But in reality, OTT has shown an overwhelming effect on the theatrical industry. The fact that several mainstream Telugu films like Love Story and Raja Raja Chora, which garnered largely positive response from cinemagoers failed to mint big profits proves the same. The theatrical run of any film, regardless of the star cast and the word mouth is confined to under two weeks. The majority of the audiences are willing to wait it out as they are aware of the fact that the new theatrical releases will invariably land on OTT in around 4 weeks. This could well be the biggest impact left by the OTT revolution on the theatrical market.
That said, films like RRR have the X-factor to pull the audience to theatres in big numbers and are expected to post earth-shattering numbers at the ticket counters. But for other mid-range and low-budget films, minting big profits with theatrical revenues is not the easiest of tasks. As for RRR, the film will be out in theatres on the 7th of January.
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
