OTT Platforms have come to the rescue of filmmakers during the pandemic. Filmmakers who could not afford to sit with their finished products for around a year opted for an easy exit by releasing their films online. OTT platforms have given decent monies for such projects rescuing the filmmakers.
But then, things changed drastically after theaters opened and 100% occupancy is allowed. Some of the films which already entered into agreements with the OTT platforms for direct online releases have changed their minds. Exploiting some clauses in the agreements, they are breaking those and going for theatrical release.
This left the OTT platforms high and dry. It happened for the Telugu film, Wild Dog starring Nagarjuna and a couple of other films are on the same track. The OTT platforms have thought enough is enough and so, tightened screws on the filmmakers. Their agreements are now having stringent clauses for such unilateral exits. But then, the filmmakers are not very much worried. The pandemic maybe once a lifetime crisis. We may not think of direct online releases anymore. So, there is no worry about the agreements and clauses. But then, the filmmakers may have to deal with the same OTT platforms for offloading their post-theatrical digital rights. Both the parties should find a way to co-exist.