This Is How Regional-Language Content Exploded on OTT Platforms in 2020
4 years ago

This Is How Regional-Language Content Exploded on OTT Platforms in 2020

News 18  

Many predicted that the closing of theaters for most part of the year will make 2020 the worst year for cinema. Statistics released by Hotstar India, based on streaming giant’s pan-India consumer base, stated that the regional-language content contributed to more than 40% video consumption, with Tamil, Telugu and Bengali topping the viewing patterns. Kollywood’s popular face Jyothika, whose film Ponmagal Vandhal also took the OTT route, perceives this as a big change in the way we see films. The actress in an interview said, “It is a boost to the regional cinema and content-oriented films.” The year also saw language cinema actors like Pratik Gandhi and Jisshu Sengupta, who occasionally court the Bollywood dazzle, becoming household names and competing with popular names like Akshay Kumar, Bobby Deol and Pankaj Tripathi. But for others like a Marathi, Punjabi or a Bengali actor, this is important,” he said, adding, “Just as how there is easy access to non-English language international content, if Indian audiences watch a film like Kahaani, Pari or Bulbbul and wonder ‘who is this actor?’… they can search for more content of mine on the same platform and find it.

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History of this topic

RCB launches multilingual strategy with Kannada focus amid backlash over Hindi posts
3 weeks, 3 days ago

RCB launches multilingual strategy with Kannada focus amid backlash over Hindi posts

Hindustan Times  

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, one of the most popular teams in the Indian Premier League, has taken a significant step toward expanding its fan engagement by embracing a bold multilingual content strategy. I am confident our fans will love and embrace this inclusive initiative, which brings alive the true spirit of RCB of being Born in Bangalore, to thrill the entire …

Smaller OTT platforms cash in on regional movie acquisitions as bigger players go slow build on originals
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Smaller OTT platforms cash in on regional movie acquisitions as bigger players go slow build on originals

Live Mint  

Regional-language video streaming platforms have tried to take advantage of bigger foreign players going slow on movie acquisitions and production of original content over the past few months. “Foreign OTT platforms have slowed down on buying smaller, non-star films, especially regional ones," said Sandeep Bansal, founder of Chaupal, an OTT that offers Punjabi, Haryanvi and Bhojpuri content. “We are spending …

Southern films adopt ensemble casts to transcend language barriers, go pan-India
1 month ago

Southern films adopt ensemble casts to transcend language barriers, go pan-India

Live Mint  

Not long ago, southern language films would invariably cast a star from that particular language and a popular Bollywood actor, bringing out multiple dubbed versions to boost their appeal and business. Southern filmmakers have now upped their game, throwing the net wider and embracing an ensemble cast to cater to pan-India audiences, as streaming platforms and compelling content tear down …

Viewers spoilt for choice as hit franchises transcend platforms
1 month, 1 week ago

Viewers spoilt for choice as hit franchises transcend platforms

Live Mint  

Hit franchises having released initially as either theatrical films or OTT platform shows are no longer restricted to the medium they first arrived on. Streaming platforms provide the chance to delve deeper into characters' motivations and backstories, creating a more immersive connection with the audience," said Manish Menghani, director, content licensing, Prime Video, India. "Adapting successful OTT series into films …

Tamil cinema eyes Hindi heartland as Kanguva leads a new marketing wave
1 month, 1 week ago

Tamil cinema eyes Hindi heartland as Kanguva leads a new marketing wave

Live Mint  

After years of focusing on core southern markets, Tamil cinema is making significant strides to capture Hindi-speaking audiences. With Kanguva, starring Suriya, set to release this week, the film’s team is embracing a full-scale promotional blitz across northern India, mirroring the blockbuster success strategies of Telugu hits like RRR and Pushpa: The Rise. While recent Tamil star-studded films such as …

Most popular Indian OTT originals reach one-third of overall streaming universe amid content discovery challenges
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Most popular Indian OTT originals reach one-third of overall streaming universe amid content discovery challenges

Live Mint  

The most popular Indian OTT originals such as Panchayat and The Family Man clocked in viewership of 30-40 million, or just about one-third of the country’s overall paid streaming universe, which experts said was a “fairly decent trend." “While popular shows like The Family Man and Panchayat have captured the imagination of a significant audience, the diversity of content on …

OTT platforms mainstream documentaries among urban audiences
3 months, 3 weeks ago

OTT platforms mainstream documentaries among urban audiences

Live Mint  

Documentaries and docu-series, a genre often ignored for its sedate pace and dense storyline, appear to have found their moment under the sun, thanks to streaming platforms. Sports based docu-series The platform’s slate of unscripted original content includes sports-based docuseries like Sons of the Soil: Jaipur Pink Panthers, First Act that chronicles the journey of child actors and their parents …

ZEE5 sees traction from tier-two, three markets as regional content soars
4 months, 4 weeks ago

ZEE5 sees traction from tier-two, three markets as regional content soars

Live Mint  

NEW DELHI : ZEE5 is leveraging regional content as a key growth driver in India's competitive OTT landscape. Manish Kalra, chief business officer, ZEE5 India, in an interview, highlighted a 25% annual growth in time spent per user, attributing this to the platform's strategic focus on regional content and targeted investments. Plus, because of our foray into regional languages, content …

Silence 2 actor Manoj Bajpayee: Nobody is a superstar on OTT; I'm happy to be relevant and working
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Silence 2 actor Manoj Bajpayee: Nobody is a superstar on OTT; I'm happy to be relevant and working

Hindustan Times  

Actor Manoj Bajpayee is perhaps one of the few mainstream actors who has maintained a fine balance between his OTT projects and theatrical releases. Manoj Bajpayee was last seen in Silence 2 Overwhelmed with the kind of variety to pick and choose from, the actor says, “This is the USP of OTT platforms where you can experiment a lot with …

How female filmmakers in Tamil Nadu are using streaming platforms to up the ante
8 months, 1 week ago

How female filmmakers in Tamil Nadu are using streaming platforms to up the ante

The Hindu  

After the boom of streaming platforms and the myriad range of content it introduced to housebound consumers during the pandemic-induced lockdown, it’s safe to say that the medium has settled with the masses. Commissioning stories from the heart Director Nandhini JS who made one of the first Tamil web series, Nila Nila Odi Vaa in 2018, recently returned with Prime …

Regional films lag even as Hindi box office soars
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Regional films lag even as Hindi box office soars

Live Mint  

Smaller regional language industries such as Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali and Gujarati saw a dip in footfalls and revenue in 2023 despite ticket prices not rising, according to media consulting firm Ormax. According to the Ormax Box Office Report 2023, gross box office collections for Kannada films shrank a staggering 61%, while those of Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali and Gujarati cinema …

Cost pressures get studios to eye wins in regional cinema
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Cost pressures get studios to eye wins in regional cinema

Live Mint  

New Delhi: Grappling with rising costs of production, unpredictable box office and few buyers in the OTT ecosystem, studios and filmmakers who were primarily operational in the Hindi language, are gradually looking at regional cinema. Within the next 2-3 years, our goal is to increase our film production to 10-12 projects, maintaining the same 50-50 split between Hindi and regional …

India\'s OTT Landscape: Exploring the Surge and Saturation
1 year, 1 month ago

India\'s OTT Landscape: Exploring the Surge and Saturation

Deccan Chronicle  

The era of COVID-19 catapulted OTT services into the spotlight, as India's entertainment landscape shifted from traditional cable services to the convenience of streaming content on smartphones, laptops, and eventually Android TVs. Recent data paints a revealing picture, indicating that India now hosts a staggering 48.11 crore OTT users, accounting for 34% of the entire population. This figure represents individuals …

Projecting Telugu films as pan-India a 'flawed idea'
1 year, 2 months ago

Projecting Telugu films as pan-India a 'flawed idea'

Deccan Chronicle  

After the massive success of ‘RRR’, “Pushpa’ and ‘Karthikeya 2, many Telugu filmmakers jumped into the bandwagon of ‘pan-India’ and felt that the North Indian audience would lap up their big ticket action films. However, Telugu films like ‘Dasara’ and ‘Virupaksha’ which rocked box office in Telugu states and average grosser 'Das Ki Damki' couldn't taste similar response among North …

Is Global OTT Content on Decline with Rise of Regional Content
1 year, 3 months ago

Is Global OTT Content on Decline with Rise of Regional Content

Deccan Chronicle  

With the evolution of consumer behaviour during pandemic experimentation with genres and regional content began, breaking down the traditional barriers of language. The rise of regional content doesn't necessarily spell the decline of global OTT content. Also, Indian regional content has certain cultural relevance, as it showcases stories, cultures, and languages that global content may overlook or underrepresented. In fact, …

The superpower of OTT platforms - The Hindu
1 year, 3 months ago

The superpower of OTT platforms - The Hindu

The Hindu  

On August 8, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the ‘State of Elementary Education in Rural India’ report which shows that schoolchildren spend most of their screen time playing games, watching movies or listening to songs. Chart 3 | The chart shows the availability of SLS on Indian language content across OTT platforms. Of the original Indian language content produced by …

OTT apps vie for premium English content viewers
1 year, 6 months ago

OTT apps vie for premium English content viewers

Live Mint  

With JioCinema forging content deals with Warner, HBO and NBCUniversal, media and entertainment industry experts say the competition has turned intense for premium, English language content offerings in India. In a recent interview, Gaurav Banerjee, head-content, Disney+ Hotstar and HSM, entertainment network, Disney Star said international content, from the house of Marvel, Disney, Pixar, National Geographic and Twentieth Century Studios …

Movies and web series on OTT platforms to binge-watch this weekend
1 year, 10 months ago

Movies and web series on OTT platforms to binge-watch this weekend

India Today  

The final week of February is jam-packed with South Indian films that are releasing on OTT platforms. Earlier in the year, movies like ‘Veera Simha Reddy’, ‘Thankam’, and ‘Varisu’ had a huge impact at the box office, and they will now debut on a number of OTT platforms. ‘VARISU’ ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO The family-friendly film ‘Varisu’ stars Rashmika Mandanna …

Why are Malayalam films struggling to attract theatrical audiences?
1 year, 10 months ago

Why are Malayalam films struggling to attract theatrical audiences?

The Hindu  

Movie buffs who religiously head to theatres in Kerala on Fridays are now getting used to a disappointing sight when the movie they are intending to watch is not a big release. However, anyone who has seen 12 Angry Men, The Man from Earth or even Mahesh Narayanan’s recent C U Soon would not doubt the potency of a film …

Netflix announces 18 Tamil titles set to stream post-theatrical run in 2023
1 year, 11 months ago

Netflix announces 18 Tamil titles set to stream post-theatrical run in 2023

The Hindu  

Streaming platform Netflix, on the auspicious occasion of Pongal on Monday, announced 18 films that are part of its licensed Tamil content for the year 2023. The streaming platform on Monday also tweeted that there’s one more title in their kitty that will be announced soon, and fans have enough reason to speculate that this is Vijay’s much-anticipated next with …

New South Indian movies to watch on OTT platforms this December
2 years ago

New South Indian movies to watch on OTT platforms this December

India Today  

North India has also been greatly influenced by South Indian films. This weekend's movies cover every genre, from the romantic drama "Mansoon Raaga" to the suspense thriller "Parole." Here are 4 South Indian movies that you simply must watch this weekend on OTT. List of new South Indian films to watch on the OTT platforms this December: 1. ROY: Sunil …

OTT Tamil movies: Ponniyin Selvan I to Jai Bhim, films that provide surreal cinematic experience
2 years, 1 month ago

OTT Tamil movies: Ponniyin Selvan I to Jai Bhim, films that provide surreal cinematic experience

India TV News  

OTT Tamil movies: Tamil cinema has dominated the box office in India in recent years. Some Tamil films have done exceptionally well in theatres and on OTT platforms as well, such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, ZEE5, Disney+ Hotstar, and others. From Ponniyin Selvan I to Jai Bhim, there are Tamil films that have been an absolute gamechanger in Indian …

Kannada OTTs: Driven by passion, stunted by lack of funds
2 years, 1 month ago

Kannada OTTs: Driven by passion, stunted by lack of funds

The Hindu  

In 2020, during COVID-19 lockdown, consumption of digital content spiked across the country and over-the-top services saw an increased traffic of new users, even from tier-two cities. Focus on medium-budget content For Kannada OTT start-ups, caught in a David versus Goliath tussle with multinational companies like Netflix and Amazon, that have been in the distribution game for over 20 years …

Filmmakers need to work on great content, there will always be an audience: Raj B Shetty
2 years, 3 months ago

Filmmakers need to work on great content, there will always be an audience: Raj B Shetty

Hindustan Times  

According to actor-director Raj B Shetty, there shouldn’t be so much talk about competition between digital platforms and cinemas. “OTT is a business just like any other medium,” notes Shetty, whose recent venture, Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana, was released on an OTT platform and found wide success. He adds, “It’s all about the right film reaching the right audience.” Actor-director …

Vikramaditya Motwane on India’s ‘one size fits all’ model of entertainment
2 years, 7 months ago

Vikramaditya Motwane on India’s ‘one size fits all’ model of entertainment

The Hindu  

“I believe that we’re still too used to making content as ‘one size fits all’. Networks would rather service the largest part of the pie than smaller bits because they feel that’s the best return on investment. Cover story:What kids are watching in 2022 | Kiran Rao on where India stands with original content for kids Secondly, the English speaking …

Regional languages to account for 54% of OTT content by 2024
2 years, 8 months ago

Regional languages to account for 54% of OTT content by 2024

Live Mint  

New Delhi: The share of regional languages in overall OTT video content will double from 27% in 2020 to 54% in 2024, as more streaming platforms take to vernacular programming and films, said a recent Ficci EY report. Today with most platforms reaching a stage of maturity, everyone is expanding their audience base by acquiring and creating content in multiple …

Smaller regional films brave Bollywood storm
2 years, 8 months ago

Smaller regional films brave Bollywood storm

Live Mint  

New Delhi: A bunch of smaller, regional language films in Marathi, Punjabi and Bengali are doing well despite the Bollywood storm at the box office led by Gangubai Kathiawadi and The Kashmir Files over the past few months. Marathi films Pawankhind, Jhimma and Pandu and Punjabi film Aaja Mexico Challiye have benefited from pent-up demand among audiences who have stayed …

Bollywood no longer mainstream cinema, south superstars take centerstage and how
2 years, 11 months ago

Bollywood no longer mainstream cinema, south superstars take centerstage and how

India TV News  

Highlights Prabhas' name appeared on number one in list of South Asian celebrity in the world for 2021 For India, most Retweeted Tweet in 2021 in entertainment category was by actor Vijay Suriya’s ‘Jai Bhim’ appeared on top of Google's 'Year in Search 2021' list as the most searched film Gone are the days when affixing a superstar Bollywood name …

The Blurring Lines Between Regional, National and International Content on OTT
3 years, 5 months ago

The Blurring Lines Between Regional, National and International Content on OTT

News 18  

Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives in many ways and one of them is the way we watch films. Actor Swwapnil Joshi’s digital foray Samantar, a Marathi show, has entertained audiences from various communities since it was available on a pan-India platform like MX Player. The actor believes that there is nothing called ‘regional content’ anymore, as shows and films …

Regional OTT Platforms Make a Big Splash Taking Local Stories Beyond Language Barriers
3 years, 5 months ago

Regional OTT Platforms Make a Big Splash Taking Local Stories Beyond Language Barriers

News 18  

Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives in many ways and one of them is the way we watch films. OTT platforms are the new cinema halls for movie goers… we meant movies watchers – you don’t need to go anywhere now to watch films, other than from one room to another in your homes. OHO Gujarati, Hoichoi, Sun NXT, Aha …

OTT Platforms Democratise Film Industry, Bring in Diverse Cultures and Talents to Forefront
3 years, 5 months ago

OTT Platforms Democratise Film Industry, Bring in Diverse Cultures and Talents to Forefront

News 18  

Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives in many ways and one of them is the way we watch films. OTT platforms are the new cinema halls for movie goers… we mean movie watchers – you don’t need to go anywhere now to watch films, other than from one room to another in your homes. “There’s a huge talent pool in …

Priyanka Chopra Says Film Industry Was Monopolised By Few People: 'OTT Gives Chance to New Talent'
3 years, 6 months ago

Priyanka Chopra Says Film Industry Was Monopolised By Few People: 'OTT Gives Chance to New Talent'

News 18  

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas has said that streaming platforms have given several new artistes an opportunity to showcase their talent, unlike the film industry which has been “monopolised” for the longest time by “a specific number of people.” Priyanka, who made her impressive digital debut with The White Tiger this year, said that it’s about time people embrace OTT platforms …

Highs and lows of OTT: Celebs weigh in!
3 years, 7 months ago

Highs and lows of OTT: Celebs weigh in!

Hindustan Times  

Last year, India’s over-the-top streaming platforms were one of the fastest growing markets. It’s exciting.” Delhi Crime’s Rasika Dugal, too, agrees that “there’s room for everyone”, and that’s what she likes about the current phase of the OTT space. Thank God for OTT, as it provided entertainment and helped us all in a big way,” says the Aarya actor, adding, …

Abhay Deol: OTT came in to show that we as a culture are capable of far more than what Bollywood shows us
3 years, 7 months ago

Abhay Deol: OTT came in to show that we as a culture are capable of far more than what Bollywood shows us

Hindustan Times  

Abhay Deol has been part of Bollywood’s indie revolution right from the beginning of his career, and has been dabbling with web content, too. There’s no point getting in their way, so might as well embrace it.” The 45-year-old, who starred in the web film Chopsticks and the recent show 1962: The War in the Hills, feels that a lot …

Mohanlal: We create movies for the audience alone
3 years, 9 months ago

Mohanlal: We create movies for the audience alone

Hindustan Times  

The world is seeing the rise of OTT platforms and much credit for this phenomenon can be given to the Covid-19 pandemic. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal feels OTT platforms provide a wider segment of audience “OTT platforms provide a global stage and a wider audience which helps an artiste’s hard work reach many people. There are multiple other perks, one of …

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