The debate over direct-to-digital releases has split the movie industry. An over-the-top (OTT) media service refers to a streaming media service offered directly to viewers via the internet bypassing cable, broadcast, and satellite television platforms that traditionally act as a distributor of such content. The emergence of OTT platforms has disrupted the entertainment sector. It is being propelled by the rise in the standard of living, evolution of smartphones, ubiquitous and affordable Internet connectivity coupled with increasing penetration in rural areas, and changing preferences of the audience. Content is now king in a real sense, and it is personalized and provides the opportunity for wider focused distribution.
Last month, it was announced that Shoojit Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, will premiere directly on Amazon Prime Video on June 12. It will be joined by the Vidya Balan-starrer Shakuntala Devi on the same platform. Additionally, Amazon has acquired regional titles like the Jyotika-starrer Ponmagal Vandhal, along with four others, for digital premieres.
Akshay Kumar’s Laxmmi Bomb, Ajay Devgn’s Bhuj: The Pride of India, Alia Bhatt-starrer Sadak 2, will premiere on Disney Hotstar.
It is now not uncommon to see certain films opting for the OTT route to reach out to the appropriate target audience. Video streaming platforms have certainly made watching movies affordable, convenient, and available ‘on the go,’ especially for those who prefer binge-watching. On the other hand it;s true that Big screens larger than life experience can’t be replaced.
Hirav Shah, India’s no.1 Astro strategist shares his thoughts on the battle between OTT & Theatre in a video which he had shared on his social media.
“2020 is the year of Rahu and OTT platform will keep booming till September 2020 but from October 2020 good period will start for theatres but major shift will be from February 2021.
Talking about Akshay Kumar’s starer Sooryavanshi he suggested that such big films should not release before Feb 2021. According to my calculations April 2021 is very favorable for big films whereas 2020 is not the year for theatres” says the expert Astro-strategist Hirav Shah.
Hirav also shares his thoughts on what basis a producer should plan his release to choose between OTT or Theatre .
“Once the film is completed the producer should consult 4 people to get the estimated income and depend on their opinion he or she should decide whether it should release in theater or on OTT.
First a leading trade analyst,
Second is by seeking the honest opinion of his internal team including actors, directors, and core team.
Third, he should consult his CA and business owners and
Last but not least an Astro strategist who could share his estimated income which his film can generate.
Consulting the 4 people the producer will have an exit poll and on the basis of it, the producer can decide his release to choose OTT or Theatre
With the country’s best Astro-strategist and business astrologer sharing his thoughts said, “Making a film is an art and selling is a business by taking the right decision”
