Netflix promoted RRR the way they promote an original film. By that, we DON’T mean that RRR isn’t an original film per se, but it is definitely not a Netflix original.
The film was released in theatres and Netflix just grabbed the streaming rights of Hindi audio of the film. It emerged as an absolute champion as it became the most successful Indian film on Netflix. The views it garnered are insane and unprecedented for any Indian film whatsoever.
But there are a few things which must be considered. Netflix indeed grabs the OTT rights of many films. We are not just talking about Indian films but internationally as well. For instance, they got the streaming rights of Spider-Man: No Way Home in India but they didn’t post a single tweet in its promotion.
The bottom line is, that they promote their original stuff much more than the ones whose streaming rights fell into their basket.
But just consider the case of RRR. Never did the official account of Netflix promote even original Indian content. But in this case, they did.
The epic @RRRMovie is one of the highest grossing films in the history of Indian cinema and it's now on Netflix! pic.twitter.com/sqMAyx6LWl
— Netflix (@netflix) May 22, 2022
Sometimes in a lighter tone as well, but they kept on promoting RRR through their international handles. Once the “Netflix Film” handle posted a clip from RRR saying, “physics law?????? RRR said no thanks”.
Needless to say, the Indian community started trolling the post which they eventually deleted.
It is absolutely phenomenal that Indian content is getting acknowledged by Netflix. It’s great that Netflix doesn’t consider Indian OTT a dumping ground that they can ignore (true to an extent).
But at the same time, it’s thinkable. It demands our attention as to why didn’t Netflix India make an original film/series that the main Netflix handles found worthy of promoting.
Thar was an original Indian film, it was decent with a prominent cast still “Netflix Film” did not post one tweet on it.
SS Rajamouli and his films don’t need any sort of approval from Netflix but it’s high time the streamer must make some original content which is great enough to create a global buzz.
RRR and Gangubai Kathiawadi were made by one of the greatest filmmakers in India and mere grabbing their streaming rights won’t help Netflix for a longer period.
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