It is impossible these days to ignore the impact of the OTT industry on people. Needless to say, it has a greater influence on people than TV already.
In a bid to reach out to a broader audience and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Assam, the state government has partnered with an OTT platform to host a short film on the legendary Ahom general, Lachit Borphukan. According to an official statement released on Friday, the government plans to produce similar short films on other significant topics, such as the world’s largest Bihu dance ensemble and the 200 years of Assam Tea.
To ensure a wider reach for the film on Lachit Borphukan, the Assam government has collaborated with Jio Cinema, making it the first state in India to use an OTT platform to reach a national audience. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the fast-growing subscriber base of OTT platforms, which currently stands at close to 45 crore subscribers, compared to 15 crore television sets.
The film on the life of Lachit Borphukan was produced as part of the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of the revered Ahom military leader. The documentary film, which premiered on November 25 last year in New Delhi, was a significant milestone as it became the first-ever Hindi language documentary film dedicated to the iconic Assamese warrior.
With this successful venture, the state government now aims to produce more short films on various topics of cultural significance. These films will be made available on prominent OTT platforms such as Jio Cinema, Hotstar, Prime Video, and others. By leveraging these platforms, Assam seeks to attract a diverse audience and raise awareness about its extraordinary cultural heritage on a national scale.
Such is the impact of OTT. The bigger question remains, will other state governments also do a similar thing to spread their history and culture. Let’s wait and watch.