Due to the linguistic and cultural diversity of India, it is crucial for the nation to have regional OTT platforms that not only uplift regional cinema but also serve it to a broader audience. That’s why platforms like Aha and Hoichoi exist. However, there’s a significant flaw. The quality of content on these platforms often becomes questionable.
Developing a regional OTT platform is surely a business decision, but it loses value if the content doesn’t reach or resonate with the audience. Lately, regional OTTs are not only overcharging but also failing to stream the “good stuff.”
Let’s take the National Award-winning films from the 70th National Awards Ceremony as an example. While many Hindi and Deccan films are streaming, some regional films are struggling to find a platform. The current OTT situation is disheartening, as some great films aren’t finding a place to stream.
For a film like Tumbbad, it’s upsetting to see it not streaming anywhere, but the situation for regional films is even worse. Baaghi Di Dhee, which won the Best Punjabi Film award, and Saudi Vellakka, the Best Malayalam Film, are nowhere to be found on any streaming platform.
Shocking? Not really…
Most of the regional titles that were victorious at the 70th National Awards Ceremony aren’t streaming on any regional or nationwide platforms. To paint a clearer picture, here’s the list:
Baaghi Di Dhee– Best Punjabi Film
Daman – Best Odia Film
Saudi Velakka – Best Malayalam Film, Best Female Playback (Bombay Jayashri)
Sikaisal – Best Tiwa Film
Kaberi Antardhan – Best Bengali Film
Emuthi Puthi – Best Assamese Film
It’s even more disappointing for Bengali OTT platforms, as the state has three prominent regional players—Addatimes, Hoichoi, and Fridaay—but none are streaming a National Award-winning film. Even in the case of Malayalam content, Istream is a prominent OTT platform, yet it isn’t streaming Saudi Velakka, which is critically acclaimed.
While Aha boasts one of the largest libraries among regional OTTs, the overall quality of its content is extremely questionable. These platforms need to respect their market and honor regional titles—otherwise, what’s the point, right?
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