2020 was a huge year for the Indian OTT space with hits raining in multiple languages across the country. The Tamil Film Industry seems to have done the best job so far, but Bollywood and other regional movie industries are following close behind. True, a lot of the production houses decided to not release their films on OTTs, fearing that the return for their investment would not be enough, but because of the pandemic we got a more mixed group of features for this year’s Yearenders List.
So without much further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 direct to OTT releases across all streaming platforms of 2020:
10. Raat Akeli Hai
This gripping murder mystery feature has a stellar cast and brilliant writing which explores multiple dark themes throughout. The film is well paced and gets you hooked from minute one. Check this film on Netflix.
Synopsis: An oddball cop’s investigation into the murder of a landlord becomes complicated by the secrets of the victim’s family.
9.Lootcase
This Hindi comedy thriller feature is the directorial debut for the film director Rajesh Krishnan, who had previously directed the web-series TVF Tripling. This movie was well received by critics and film watchers alike. Check out the film on Disney+ Hotstar.
Synopsis: A middle-class man, Nandan, finds a suitcase full of money and steals it for himself. He quickly finds that he is in over himself as he gets chased by a cop, notorious cop and a corrupt politician.
8. Ludo
Ludo is an anthology of four beautiful stories that each define love in their own unique ways and get intertwined through an eccentric criminal. The cast and direction is superb and so is the cinematography. Check out this flick on Netflix.
Synopsis: Because of a resurfaced sex tape and a suitcase full of money, four epicly different stories overlap due to fate, chance and one very eccentric criminal.
7. Paava Kadhaigal
This hard hitting Tamil Anthology feature has been directed by Sudha Kongara, Gautham Menon, Vetrimaaran and Vignesh Shivan. The film was specifically made for Netflix and released on December 18th 2020.
Synopsis: This four part anthology will explore the intricacies and complications of familial (and societal) relationships. There will be four hard hitting tales in this feature will touch on topics varying from love and loving someone of the same sex to honor killings and societal pressures which does not allow you to be who you are.
6. Middle class Melodies
This film is only the second film of Anand Devarakonda, and it is a brilliant OTT flick. The simple setting was key to the success, while the film slowly added more nuanced obstacles, making this feature extremely relatable. Watch this movie on Amazon Prime Video.
Synopsis: The film follows a young man Ragahava who runs a breakfast center in his village with his father. Raghava dreams of going to the city one day and opening his own hotel and making it big there, to which his father opposes.
5. Putham Pudhu Kaalai
This Tamil Anthology feature has multiple big players attached varying from actors and writers to directors and producers. The entire film was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and was set in the backdrop of the 21-day lockdown that happened in March in India this year. Stream this film on Amazon Prime Video.
Synopsis: Five stories set during the first month of Lockdown in India, telling us varying stories about love, new beginnings, second chances and hope.
4. C U Soon
This film is the only Malayalam feature film on this list and it was made specifically for OTTs. With its unique camera techniques and gripping story, C U Soon was a surprise hit when it dropped on Amazon Prime Video, back in September.
Synopsis: A software engineer who lives in Kerala, is prompted by his family to look for his cousin’s missing fiancee. As they stumble upon her video-based suicide note, he is forced to race against time to find her.
3. Colour Photo
Colour Photo had garnered a lot of media attention back when it was poised to be a theatrical release itself which was mainly due to the unique theme and the blockbuster single ‘Taragathi Gadhi’. It was eventually released on Aha Video.
Synopsis: Set in the late-1990s in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, the film follows a dark-skinned young man as he falls in love with a woman who is fairer than him.
2. Dil Bechara
This movie was undoubtedly the best movie of the year, till Soorarai Pottru dropped back in October. This Fault In Our Stars remake was a surprise hit as well as a brilliant send off for the late actor Sushant SIngh Rajput. Watch this gem of a film on Disney+ Hotstar.
Synopsis: Manny and Kizie, who each have a terminal illness, fall in love with each other. Thereafter, the two try to spend the rest of their days being happy and staying positive.
1. Soorarai Pottru
Was there ever any doubt that this film would top this list? This rags to riches story has been the biggest hit of the year so far and twitter went on a frenzy for weeks after the film dropped on October 30th. Stream this movie on Amazon Prime Video.
Synopsis: Inspired by the events from the life of Simplifly Deccan founder G. R. Gopinath; follow former air force captain Nedumaaran Rajangam as he takes on various obstacles while pursuing his dream of building an affordable airline company.
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