BIFFes talk: Soon, movies will release on apps

In the panel discussion — Over The Top (OTT) platforms perceiving the regional market - Challenges and Opportunities — on the sidelines of the 11th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes), the panellists were of the view that in the days ahead, movies will be simultaneously released in theatres and apps.

Ganghadhar Salimat, film director, Srinivas Sribhakta, director, Purple Arrow Films and Suriya Narayanan R, south India content head and executive producer, Zee5, took part in the panel discussion, predominantly attended by young filmmakers.

Considering apps as the future and the platform for young filmmakers, the panellists suggested the young filmmakers concentrate on content for web series. “Apps will give freedom for the audience to choose. As the whole world is turning digital, I think the true effort and hard work will never go unnoticed. In the coming days, the movie will be simultaneously released on apps and in theatres. Young filmmakers should aim to satisfy the content aggregator, where movies will reach the desired target audience. I think the days where big budget movies taking centre stage will gradually diminish,” Suriya Narayanan said.

Showcasing the data on the increase in the users of apps, film director Salimat said, “10% of the life of a common man is spent on the phone, and currently there are 225 million viewers hooked to apps. So, in the future, this number will surely increase. There is also a high demand for content in regional languages. Budding talent can work on it as they don’t have to spend money for the release of the film.”