The OTT revolution has taken over Indian cinema and it has also opened avenues to the industry folks. However, here is a bitter pill. Many are getting into small budget flicks with the confidence that OTTs are there, they will buy at a minimum of at least 1.5 to 2 crores. They’re under the impression that even if the theatrical collection comes to 50 lakhs the rest can be retrieved with OTT selling.
Based on this thought, directors are starting projects as soon as they find a producer. Finishing a movie is one thing but releasing is the main challenge. Even if it releases, will the public come to see new faces? Or if publicity and promotion has to happen that’s going to cost an additional 1 crore.
So, here’s the sad part. During covid time for acquiring content OTTs purchased but now they are not. Now, star value is the first priority. It is heard that the OTTs are avoiding films that don’t have star presence. Even if they do really like something and it is absolutely wo, they’re offering just 1 crore irrespective of the budget in which it was made and few are offering a pay-per-view model. As a result, the fate of small movies has again fallen into disarray.
