There is only one word to describe the performance of SonyLIV in May 2023 – disappointing. It seems like the streaming platform is in no mood to display its competitiveness in the Indian OTT market.
SonyLIV released only three features last month, which were not original productions of the streaming service. What makes this matter worse is that the platform did not release a single show (licensed/original) in May.
Fire in the Mountains (Movie/Licensed) – Hit
Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham (Movie/Licensed) – Hit
Triangle of Sadness (Movie/Licensed) – Hit
Fire in the Mountains (May 26, 2023)
Helmer Ajitpal Singh made his feature directional debut with Fire in the Mountains. The film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in January 2021 and received strong positive critical reception. The story revolves around a poor family, consisting of Chandra (Vinamrata Rai), Dharam (Chandan Bisht), and their wheelchair-bound son, Prakash (Mayank Singh Jaira). They reside in a village located in the Himalayan terrains. However, these terrains pose a huge dilemma for the family. They are forced to transport their son down the mountain in his wheelchair to his school and hospital. Chandra believes that their son needs proper medical attention. On the other hand, Dharam thinks only a shamanic ritual (Jagar) can treat him.
Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham (May 19, 2023)
The film focuses on Bachu (Basil Joseph), a young man who wants to become a successful businessman. However, he finds himself in a big crisis. His family complicates the matter by forcing him to go to the Gulf region for better job opportunities. But he starts rethinking his plans after the lockdown comes into effect. The movie has received mostly positive reviews. It is a beautifully made family entertainer that elegantly captures the harmony of the coastal community. Overall, it is a simple yet heartwarming film to watch. Apart from Joseph, the film stars Indrans, Jaffar Idukki, Sudheesh, Sreeja Ravi, and more.
Triangle of Sadness (May 12, 2023)
Helmed by Ruben Ostlund, Triangle of Sadness revolves around a couple of influencers. They get invited to a luxury cruise ship along with numerous wealthy individuals. However, things take a dramatic turn when a brutal storm hits the cruise ship. This one is not as impressive as Ostlund’s previous work, but it still manages to entertain viewers with its amazing dark humour. It also benefits from the outstanding performances of its cast, consisting of Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, Dolly de Leon, Iris Berben, Woody Harrelson, Amanda Walker, and more. It has a rating of 72% (based on 262 reviews) on Rotten Tomatoes.
The above-mentioned titles might have impressed the majority of critics and audiences. But they also display the lack of original titles on SonyLIV. This scenario shows the streaming platform’s inability to bestow a consistent flow of engaging and fresh content to its viewers. Scenarios like this can lead the platform towards a heavy loss of subscribers and low levels of subscriber satisfaction.
SonyLIV is capable of showcasing its creative prowess. By not concentrating on original content, the streaming platform is missing out on chances to grab growth opportunities and forge a unique image in the streaming market. Overall, SonyLIV’s performance in May 2023 was disappointing.