BENGALURU: In line with the Kerala government-owned over-the-top (OTT) platform -- ‘C-space’ -- the Karnataka government’s Sree Kanteerava Studios Limited is gearing up to launch its own OTT service. The move is aimed at improving revenues for Sree Kanteerava Studios, which now earns by renting out its studio space for film and television production. Along with this, the state-owned facility is also aiming to venture into movie and serial production.
Accordingly, Sree Kanteerava Studios Chairman Mahaboob Pasha has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, to consider the request, and has stated that the move will not only help improve revenues, but will also provide employment to those dependent on the film industry.
In a letter addressed to the CM dated December 7, Pasha said, “The 310th meeting of the board of directors was held on November 30. There, it was decided that Sree Kanteerava Studios will enter commercial business and produce movies and short films.” He added that in order to foray into commercial business, Sree Kanteerava Studios has amended its Memorandum of Association.
‘OTT will bring more revenues, create jobs’
Stating that the studios wants to release its movies through OTT, Pasha pointed out that they learnt about the Kerala State Government Film Development Corporation operating its own OTT, which is profitable.
To sustain good-quality Malayalam films and preserve Kerala’s culture in the digital space, the Kerala government launched ‘C-space’ early this year. The platform, which streams films, documentaries and short films, follows a pay-per-view model, where users pay for the particular content they watch.
He urged Siddaramaiah that Sree Kanteerava Studios also develop its own OTT and release not only Kannada movies, but also other language content by purchasing them, adding that it will not only be profitable, but will help generate employment.
Pasha has urged the chief minister to provide assistance in developing the OTT platform.