The demand for feature films on OTT platforms has grown significantly during the pandemic as cinema halls shut down. However, Apple and Amazon Prime, two of the biggest players in the industry, are now investing a billion dollars into film production, which they intend to release theatrically before airing on OTT platforms.
This strategy will give films much-needed publicity and media exposure, thereby creating awareness amongst audiences. Similarly, in India, producers learned the hard way that video films are not accepted unless they are made for cinemas.
Now, Jio Cinema, an entertainment arm of Reliance Industries, is planning an extensive slate of 100 productions in various languages, including films and OTT content.
Stars from all regions have signed up, including Vijay Sethupati, R. Madhavan, and Pratik Gandhi, among others. Meanwhile, the Viacom18 OTT platform, Voot, is also reported to be acquiring content. Reliance has an interest in both Viacom and Voot. In short, while web series are gaining popularity, feature films are still the main attraction.
