The pandemic followed by lockdown has led to a significant increase in OTT audience. Nearly all OTT platforms have experienced an increase in the number of subscribers on their platform and views on their streaming content.
Two leading platforms, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, have been constantly striving to overpower the other and become the streaming giant in India. Netflix’s Chief Executive Officer, Reed Hastings said in December that Netflix intends to spend 30 billion rupees ($400 million) over 2019 & 2020 to produce local content (content exclusively for Indian audience). Amazon Prime Video, unlike Netflix, offers more than just web series and movies. Amazon Prime Video’s subscribers get access to exclusive offers when the order from Amazon (electronics, grocery, clothing, etc) and to its music library.
Since the theatres worldwide are shut, filmmakers have opted for direct to digital route and these do streamers have also gained rights to a few Bollywood films. Amazon Prime Video made the first move when they announced Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khuranna starrer ‘Gulabo Sitabo’ followed by biopic starring Vidya Balan ‘Shakuntala Devi’ and regional movies like, ‘Penguin,’ ‘Law,’ ‘French Biryani’ and ‘Sufiyam Sujayatham.’
After all these big announcements by its rival, Netflix naturally fought back! It announced a whopping 17 titles that will be released on their platform namely – AK Vs AK, Serious Men, Bombay Begums; acquired shows such as A Suitable Boy, Mismatched; and direct to digital movie releases Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Torbaaz, Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare, Raat Akeli Hai, Ludo and Ginny Weds Sunny.
The question that which platform is better than the other is still uncertain. Some prefer Netflix while some choose Amazon Prime Video. Our reports also suggest that a particular platform is preferred by a particular age group. Also, there are people who equally view content available on both the streamers and have no preference. We would love to know about your choice. Tell us in the comment section!
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.
