The recently released film ‘The Kerala Story,’ directed by Sudipto Sen and starring Adah Sharma, has been making waves for its controversial storyline surrounding conversion and terrorism. Despite its commercial success at the box office, the film has encountered difficulties in finding an OTT partner for streaming rights.
The director and producer of the film have raised concerns, claiming a conspiracy behind the lack of interest from OTT platforms. However, industry insiders argue that the film’s exorbitant demands for streaming rights might be the primary reason for the delay.
This article delves into the controversy surrounding ‘The Kerala Story’ and explores the potential factors contributing to its absence from OTT platforms.
The Controversial Success of ‘The Kerala Story’
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‘The Kerala Story’ managed to create a significant impact upon its release in April, drawing attention from audiences with its bold exploration of sensitive topics. Sudipto Sen’s directorial venture portrays a narrative revolving around conversion and terrorism, tackling subjects that often incite heated debates and discussions.
The film garnered immense popularity, despite facing bans in certain states like Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Made on a modest budget of Rs 15 to 20 crores, ‘The Kerala Story’ managed to collect an impressive Rs 238.87 crores at the box office, indicating a strong audience response and commercial success.
The Search for OTT Partners
Following its theatrical run, the makers of ‘The Kerala Story’ turned their focus toward securing OTT streaming rights for the film. In an era where digital platforms have become increasingly influential in distributing content, OTT partnerships play a crucial role in maximizing a film’s reach and revenue potential. However, despite the film’s success and demand, it has yet to find an OTT partner willing to acquire its streaming rights.
The Alleged Conspiracy Theory
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Sudipto Sen, the director of ‘The Kerala Story,’ expressed his frustration at the film’s inability to secure an OTT partnership. Sen labeled the situation as a conspiracy, insinuating that powerful forces were working against the film’s availability on digital platforms.
While his statement might raise eyebrows and generate attention, it is essential to analyze the situation objectively.
Exorbitant Demands or Genuine Resistance?
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According to reports, the makers of ‘The Kerala Story’ have set a steep price tag for its OTT streaming rights. Producer Vipul Shah is said to be demanding a hefty sum ranging between Rs 70-100 crore.
This exorbitant asking price has deterred potential buyers from committing to the deal. Industry insiders argue that such high demands are uncommon, especially for a film without an existing OTT partnership. This pricing strategy might be deterring platforms from engaging in negotiations.
The OTT Landscape and the Value of Content
The OTT landscape is highly competitive, with numerous platforms vying for the rights to stream popular and high-quality content. However, the success of a film at the box office does not always guarantee a substantial payout in the OTT market.
Platforms assess several factors, including budget, genre, star cast, audience reception, and potential reach, to determine a fair value for streaming rights. While ‘The Kerala Story’ has proven its popularity at the box office, its controversial subject matter and the limited regional appeal might make it a less attractive investment for some platforms.
‘The Kerala Story’ has undoubtedly stirred controversy and captured the attention of audiences with its thought-provoking storyline. However, the film’s journey to find an OTT partner has hit a roadblock, leading to allegations of a conspiracy.
