Kantara actor Rishab Shetty slams OTT platforms for bias against Kannada films

Rishab Shetty, who is currently gearing up for his upcoming film Kantara 2, recently opened up on OTT platforms' bias against the Kannada film industry. The actor talked about not getting exposure from the streaming services after the failure of one commercial Kannada film. He added that they are now waiting for these platforms to open their doors for their industry.

Rishab Shetty calls out OTT platforms 

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on Tuesday, Shetty said Kannada movies used to generate revenue after participating in initiatives like NFDC Film Bazaar.

“But after the COVID19 pandemic and due to the OTT platforms, the markets have collapsed. The OTT platforms are refusing to accept Kannada films because one commercial film (from Kannada) backfired,” the Kantara actor-director said.

“Now, the OTT platforms are saying that they are not open to Kannada films. That is really bad. Just because of one film, you cannot say that there is no market for the film or there are no subscribers,” he added.

Shetty said he has done three films in Kannada, which are doing festival circuits. The actor-director claimed that if OTT platforms do not open the doors, then these would be the last films that he has done for any festival circuits.

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara at IFFI 

Shetty received critical acclaim for writing, directing and starring in Kantara, a Kannada period action thriller that was released in 2022.

The movie, which is being screened at the IFFI as part of the international competition, is set in the fictional village of Dakshina Kannada and follows a Kambala champion, who comes to loggerheads with an upright Forest Range officer, Murali.

Shetty is now looking forward to Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel to the blockbuster hit. The makers unveiled the first look of the movie on Thursday.

(with inputs from PTI)