With COVID-19 affecting the movie industry too, the business will likely come down. Hence, from a producer’s perspective, a direct release on OTT, especially for small-budget movies, appears attractive.
Apart from the monetary benefits, a direct release on OTT could have other advantages too. For instance, a movie can reach a broader range of people, and with the availability of subtitles, it can expand over the country too. Consequently, the film can pull a larger section of the ‘target’ audience and can result in a better outcome.
In the past few years, there have been few Kannada films which unfortunately failed at the BO. Nevertheless, the content was adequate, and if there was a prospect of a straight OTT release then, these films could have actually become triumphant.
Ulidavaru Kandanthe
Ulidavaru Kandanthe is one of the very few Kannada movies which transcended boundaries and impressed people of other states. This was achieved without the presence of any OTT platforms. Now, imagine if this film had got a direct release on OTT…
Paramathma
A Puneeth film releasing directly on OTT is a myth. Nevertheless, this film had the potential to impress the millennials.
Just Maath Maathalli
Similar to Puneeth, a Sudeep movie releasing directly on OTT is highly unlikely. But, with the subtle characterization of the protagonist, and some spectacular music, Just Maath Maathalli could have been celebrated on a streaming platform.
Beautiful Manasugalu
An underrated movie in Sandalwood, Beautiful Manasugalu was based on a true event. Such films generally do well on OTT platforms. Beautiful Manasugalu would have been no exception.
Pushpaka Vimana
This movie had brilliant cinematography but did not find many takers at the theaters. Slow pace could have been a reason but for the performances and pure emotions, the movie could have done well on OTT.
Chambal
Loosely based on DK Ravi’s life, the big-screen audience failed to find scenes which excited them in the movie. Nevertheless, this movie was brilliant and deserved more success than it got.
Popcorn Monkey Tiger
A complex screenplay is something that the audience can absorb only to an extent at the theaters. On a streaming platform, the reception is better.
Mundina Nildaana
We agree that this movie was made for the big screen. But the content inside resonates better with the youngsters and therefore, OTT release might have been an option.
Katha Sangama
Despite good promotions, Katha Sangama failed to fulfill its expectation of the theater footfall. Maybe, the genre didn’t click well with the audience. Hence, a release on OTT, where viewers are exposed to more of this type of cinema could have done wonders for the makers.
Naanu Avanalla…Avalu
A movie that is known more as a medium through which Sanchari Vijay won a National Award, Naanu Avanalla…Avalu is actually a thought-provoking movie with good performances and realistic situations. This film could have easily done well on any of the OTT platforms with a direct release.
What do you think? Are there any other movies to add to this list? Let us know in the comments below. Thank you for reading.
