It seems as though the OTT v/s cinemas debate is going to remain omni-present for quite some time. Now that multiplex chains have begun capitalizing off of re-releases, OTT platforms have also become a haven for titles that don’t succeed at the box-office, but draw in huge figures otherwise.
But for the media and entertainment industry to thrive in the country, especially during volatile times like these, the two must operate in harmony. Take for example the case of this festive season. The box-office clash between ‘Singham Again’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ on November 1, has been looming for weeks now. However, post that, there are barely any releases for Hindi audiences to choose from, until late November.
Moreover, the same case is for Hindi speakers with respect to OTT platforms. ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’, ‘Vijay 69’, and ‘The Buckingham Murders’ are slated to premiere only on and after November 7. Alternatively, the same goes for regional titles. The one big title upcoming from the South Indian industry is ‘Kanguva’.
Apart from that, a few titles like ‘Kishkindha Kandam’, ‘Thangalaan’, ‘Lubber Pandhu’, and more, are peppered here and there, at least during the first week of November. This is followed by another, singular regional release ‘Rongila Kitab’ on HoiChoi on November 8.