Recently, Tollywood producers decided that movies will be streamed in OTTs only after 50 days of the movie’s release. Is this a boon or bane? According to the film observers, this may possibly help big movies as there is a chance that people who can’t wait 50 days to watch their favourite actor might go to the theatres. This will definitely help in increasing the footfalls. The real question here is, what about the small films? Many recent small films are saved because of the OTT sale. When the producers agree to stream their movies in the OTTs just two weeks after the release, the platforms offer attractive amounts to them, making the project a profitable or at least a break-even venture.
But with the 50 days rule, OTTs may not be interested in buying the small movies for hefty amounts. Even the demand for big-budget films, too, will go down. Until now, flop movies have benefitted by selling their film to OTTs. Acharya, Radhe Shyam, Virataparvam, Ante Sundaraniki and many other small-medium range movies were relieved from at least some or all of the losses they faced. With the 50 days rule in place, the producers, especially makers of small and medium budget films, might have to pay a heavy price now. Will the producers rethink this rule? We have to wait and see.