There’s no denying the fact that OTTs have gotten a major boost due to the coronavirus pandemic. And everything you read related to this will definitely have this line. One thing that this OTT boost has provided is the platform for regional content to rise up beyond the native boundaries and stand up into a nationwide platform. While apps like Zee5 and Alt Balaji giving these regional movies and shows a chance to showcase themselves to a larger audience, this has given rise to language-specific OTT platforms.
Yes, you read that correctly! Apps like Hoichoi, Aha Video have been active in this lockdown and have gained tons of avid subscribers throughout this period. The idea behind these language-specific platforms is that users will be having a direct option to go for the language of content they want to consume.
Seeing the response of these two many more of the language-specific OTT platforms have come into the market. Let’s take a look at them.
1. Aha Video ( Telugu Language ):
Aha Video came into existence officially on 25th March and initially had its library filled with already released and old Telugu movies. Soon they started producing and creating their own content while simultaneously releasing old movies by giving them a perfect promotion.
Some standout content by Aha Video recently is- Johaar, Addham, Colour Photo, and others.
Price:- ₹149 for 3 months, ₹365 for 1 Year.
2. FILIM ( Telugu Language )
FILIM is a new OTT platform that is eyeing to enter into the Telugu market, this will be a direct competition for Aha Video who up until now we’re enjoying a free run in the market. With the arrival of FILIM, the subscribers are bound to get divided. FILIM also claims to be cheaper than Aha Video which might be another plus point for them.
To attract the audience, FILIM will be releasing Vijay Sethupathi starrer Pizza 2 as the inaugural feature on their app, The app is on the final stages of their production and will be released soon enough.
3. Hoichoi ( Bengali Language ):
Probably the oldest language-specific or regional OTT platform. The Bengali Language-specific app started in 2017 and since then hasn’t looked back. With tons of original content, Hoichoi produces each year they also have a large database of Bengali content. According to Hoichoi, they plan to reach around 25 crores of Bengali population worldwide.
Notable Works:- Eken Babu, Bonyo Premer Golpo, Detective, and others.
Subscription Rate:- ₹499 Yearly for 1 Screen and ₹699 Yearly for 2 screens.
4. Koode ( Malayalam Language ):
Seeing the surge in platforms of different languages, the Malayalam industry itself decided to launch their own OTT apps solely based on Malayalam Content. The app has been launched by Studio Mojo. All this has been done so that all the creators, whether small or big will have the opportunity to showcase their content even though they aren’t able to crack a deal with biggies.
Since it’s initial days, Koode will soon be producing original content as well as will be releasing premium movies. But for now, it boasts a huge library of Malayalam movies.
Koode is available on the play store.
5. LetsFlix ( Marathi Language )
Every regional cinema has its own audience and it wouldn’t be fair if one doesn’t have its own OTT platforms, well at least this is what seems to be happening. Netflix is an upcoming Marathi exclusive OTT app that is brought to us by the popular content app – LetsUp.
It will be having Marathi movies, shows, plays, and original content.
The creator Narendra Firodia who himself has produced a couple of Marathi movies is all up for promoting new talent from the regional industry and feels that having an exclusive OTT app will boost the confidence of upcoming writers, directors, and actors.
The app will be going live soon.
6. CityShor ( Gujarati Language )
The app will be going to launch formally on November 1st, 2020. CityShor TV has been backed by a popular lifestyle media company called CityShor which is already in many cities. The OTT platform will be releasing 12 original Gujarati Language series, over a period of one year. Still, it’s early days, let’s wait for the app to go live!
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