Is OTT release a lucrative option for small budget movies? Producers and analysts weigh in

Amazon Prime Video, recently, revealed that seven Indian films would premiere on ir platform in coming months. Movies like Gulabo Sitabo (Ayushmann Khurrana and Amitabh Bachchan), Shakuntala Devi (Vidya Balan), Penguin (Keerthy Suresh), Ponmagal Vandhal (Jyotika), among ors are movies that will soon release on Amazon Prime Video. Though se movies were to release in atres however due to on-going lockdown and uncertainty over reopening of atres, films are w heading for an OTT release. 

Also Read | Amazon Prime Drops 'Ponmagal Vandhal' Motion Poster; Check Out

Trade analyst and producers answer: Why OTT release is a lucrative option for small budget movies?

Recently, Baahubali's producer Shobu Yarlagadda in a conversation with an entertainment portal discussed how an OTT release would benefit small budget films. He revealed that small budget movies could get about 80% to 120% of ir production costs recovered from an OTT release, which could be impossible if makers wait for atres to reopen. However, he exclaimed that decision of an OTT release is in hands of makers, according to him, makers have to weigh all factors and make a decision on what seems lucrative to m. 

Also Read | Keerthy Suresh Starrer 'Penguin' To Have An Amazon Prime Release; Read Details

Also Read | Fahadh Faasil's Highly-anticipated 'Malik' Will t Have An OTT Release, Confirms Director

Meanwhile, a leading producer from Malayalam film industry reportedly believes that small budget movies can get double production cost from OTT release. According to producer, due to diaspora of audience, a movie's worth is decided based on its content, and sometimes a movie can make double cost of production from an OTT release. According to a report, Jyotika starrer Ponmagal Vandhal has recovered 60-70% of its production cost. Jyotika starrer is reportedly made on a budget of Rs 8 crore and has been bought by Amazon Prime Video for Rs 5 crores. 

Though, many small budget movies like Ponmagal Vandhal, Gulabo Sitabo, Penguin are opting for an OTT release, big-budgeted movies like Suryavanshi, Master, and Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham are waiting for atres to reopen. According to Baahubali producer, big-budgeted movies will wait for atres to reopen as y have little choice because an OTT release will prove to be a loss. 

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Currently, Amazon Prime Video is only OTT platform streaming a plethora of Indian films. However, many producers and trade analysts believe in coming day OTT platforms like Hotstar, Netflix, and ors will negotiate deals with filmmakers to stream Indian films.