The rising number of subscribers of OTT platforms indicating the increase in various movies and web series. Latest Web Series of 2020 are already available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Hotstar.
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NOUVELLE ERA:
The revolution from big screen time to movies at home at any time now exists in India. People prefer theatres for watching movies with families, friends, and colleagues. But, in the present situation of COVID-19 people are trying OTT platforms which never was believed to prevail in India.
Effects on mental health
The world is at a halt and the increasing cases of depression and anxiety have surmounted. The OTT platforms paved the way to entertainment in India with various movies and series on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, and YouTube as well. Such entertainments divert the same with new and fresh content programs related to mental health issues and many others.
OTT platforms and its users:
Recent studies have shown that the subscriptions of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, YouTube channels, increases tremendously with rural users enhancing with the availability of the low price smartphones.
According to a pan-India study conducted by Velocity MR titled, ‘Surviving COVID-19 and beyond: A consumer perspective: Part 2’, Amazon Prime witnessed an increase of 67% subscribers since the lockdown, stood at the top, followed by Netflix at 65%, Hotstar witnessed 41% increase. At the bottom, YouTube subscribers increase by 46%.
Revenues garder par OTT platforms:
As we are well informed of the revenues looming in the OTT platforms: Amazon Prime and Netflix, these enterprises accumulate profit from viewers. Since these online screening charged separately for its subscribers. Netflix offers the least for mobile subscribers at INR 199/- per month. There are several offers provided for the subscribers: Netflix viewers are provided with Netflix originals likewise Amazon Prime offers Amazon Prime Membership for their viewers.
Do the OTT platforms poses a threat to theatres?
Many filmmakers and people from the film industry, worries that the big screen will be taken over by digital screens of today. And of course, the investment made in big films and pictures will be at a huge loss. Since the lockdown, the film industry is shut down, the producers, directors, and actors lost their revenues.
A new phase has dawned on actors and a few had shifted to digital screens, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Many actors gained popularity despite their role in films. One of the advantages of the present digital platforms is that it creates a stage for low budget movies which otherwise will not make it to the box office.
As the trend of box office’s premiers on Friday showcase, big films with an enormous amount of budget casting mainstream movie stars to grab the attention of the big screen for marketing purposes.
Radhika Apte’s Thoughts
“Not having the pressure of Box Offices is one of the greatest things so far, I never get the attention like this in the past and especially during COVID-19. There is more democracy in the sense that there are many things releasing and its available at the same time…” says Radhika Apte.
As the actress, herself affirms the popularity gained through Netflix, as people recognized her when she goes for a jog. When her movies got released, her phone keeps buzzing from friends and colleagues congratulating her debut. She has acted for Raat Akeli Hai, Lust stories, Baazar, Stories by Rabindranath Tagore, etc.
Various actors and actresses struggling to telecast in the film industry attained great success in the OTT platforms. It depends on the viewers and their preferences in movies and storylines. It really matters what the film, movie or series has to offer.
A few more actors to mentioned like, Rasika Duggal, of her works in Mirzapur and Delhi Crime reckon her name in the industry. Kiara Advani, in Lust stories and Guilty, received fame for her looks and character. Emraan Hashmi, his works in series Bard of Blood.
“I am really happy with this phase, especially seeing how OTT platforms are pushing creativity to the next level. The kind of stories that are being conceived for the web and the characters being written cannot be compared to films. I think it is a great beginning, ” Hashmi told National Herald.
New Challenges
New challenges arise from digital screens for filmmakers, directors, producers, what to offer the audience where a number of movies and series are screened at the same time. The pursuit of the content which is fresh and entertaining hikes for marketing. As the OTT platforms offer a great deal of liberty to choose the content and the time to watch.
Despite the challenges, the filmmakers in the OTT platforms are liberated to a greater extent in executing their thoughts in plays and the freedom for screenwriters. These digital platforms enable varying content: sexuality, religion, and politics. When we talk of Indian cinema, sociopolitical content that was barred from casting does not shy away from OTT platforms. Thus, liberty and freedom of expression is a boon for the filmmakers.
“When it comes to OTT, you have the liberty to write as much as you can imagine and as much as the budget you can get allows.” – Vetrimaaran., a filmmaker from Tamil Nadu.
OOT’s Upcoming future
Looking ahead the OTT platforms believed by many will soon dominate the digital world. The increasing number of audiences all over the world reflects its popularity. Trending with the digital world lets hope for more promising filmmakers and talented actors paved the way for a better future.
Various talented artists have a wide scope to generate income through their talents and skills. Such platforms create greater opportunities for talented artists who already have a niche in acting. The liberty and freedom of expression and manufacturing contemporary movies must be backed.