Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Amit Khare said, “OTT being a digital platform falls under the purview of the Ministry of IT but now we are proposing a decision that the content should fall within the purview of I&B ministry. There is a need for convergence of various ministries (in this regard), particularly in the ways changes are happening, (it) is extremely necessary. Out of five different media — print, radio, TV, films and OTT — four of them have certain kinds of regulatory practices and one is unregulated.” Adding further, he said that films releasing on OTT are not covered under the Central Board of Film Certification as it not exhibited as a film there. He also stressed on the need to have a level-playing field, but quickly added that this does not mean that all would be brought under a ‘very heavy regulatory structure.’ “In this sector, we can easily transform India’s education,” said Khare.
Single screen cinemas and multiplexes have been shut down for reasons well known. This has convinced or compelled filmmakers to choose the digital route. Films that have completed their shooting have been released or are on the verge of releasing on various OTT platforms. These platforms offer not only films but also a variety of web series. The lockdown has played an angel in disguise for this media as there has been a significant increase in number of subscriptions and views of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Voot, ALTBalaji and several others!