Telugu film industry stops shooting from August 1 according to the Producers Guild notice for the restructuring of the industry. The theatrical releases, and OTT platforms turns out to be the matters for discussion.
Cinema is another language in which we communicate to the masses in the form of entertainment, or sometimes even education (short films, and documentaries). Telugu film industry is a part of the Indian film industry, also known as Tollywood.
It has been observed that the producers of the Telugu film industry are planning to stop their productions with effect from August 1 as per the notice.
Technology is ever-evolving and is changing rapidly. With time, people must adapt to the changes happening around them. But this acceptance also may have side effects on others. Technological advancements are good. So, what kind of side effects would have, we wonder. Well, it is said that with every good thing comes little disadvantages but how can we make the most out of it is the real deal.
The rise of OTT
Over the Top mediums or OTT platforms gained popularity amongst people during and post-pandemic. Although the OTT platforms have been there before the pandemic, their attraction and impact grew on the audience during the pandemic.
Now, with this new acceptance of technology and the rise of OTT, which is a positive development, movies in theatres have slightly started to lose and captivate the audience’s attention towards it. This has raised a cause of concern and could be the reason behind this temporary halt in film production.
OTT platforms have impacted our lives in such a way because of the comfort it brings about with them. The comfort of watching any movie – be it a blockbuster hit or not – all of them are readily available and can be watched any time of the day or even at night. One can also sit and enjoy with someone’s company or without any company, without any hindrance.
Also Read: OTT platform’s growth in India
Why Telugu industry made this decision?
In 2020, that was during the COVID-19 pandemic, many films’ releases got postponed as the film industries were themselves shut down along with theatres. Which hit the theatres adversely as well.
Superhit movies like Allu Arjun’s Pushpa: The Rise, RRR of jr. NTR and Ram Charan, Yash’s KGF: Chapter 1 & 2, and the recent and fresh release of Vikram (Kamal Hassan) were successful to bring the crowd back to the theatres. However, several movies failed at the box office as well at the same time.
Now, after a series of flop movies in Tollywood, the producers are in a dilemma
The producers were forced to release their movies on OTT platforms during the pandemic but with the onset of films releasing in theatres, producers have to also start releasing them in theatres. To revive the glory of the theatres and come back on track.
But it feels like the craze theatre has is gradually fading away.
Well, it has become quite obvious the possible reason is the OTT platforms. Even the big releases start to stream after a week or month at least on the OTTs, and the viewer has the opportunity to watch it any time – one of the fine benefits of OTT.
So, now what’s the solution
On July 26, the Producers Guild stated that
“Post-Pandemic with the changing revenue situations and increasing costs, it has become important for producers to discuss all the issues we are facing as a community of filmmakers. It is our responsibility to better our ecosystem and ensure that we are releasing our films in a healthy environment. In this regard, all members of the Guild have voluntarily decided to withhold shootings from August 1st, 2022 to sit in discussions until we find workable resolutions.”, in a press note.
Many upcoming movies of big stars of Tollywood will surely be affected by this, as they will see a delay in the releases and shootings of their films.
The sole reason for all of this is not the OTT platform
The medium turns out to be supplementing the problem.
Furthermore, because of the current distribution model of remuneration, the producers are the ones who suffer. The directors and actors do not have to worry much about it.
The apprehension among the producers is also because of the high ticket prices
The Telegu producers have also realized that the high ticket prices especially for the big budgeted films could also be one of the reasons. As it might be beneficial on the producer’s end but when it comes to the audience they don’t show up at the theatre because of the high-priced ticket.
They rather prefer to wait and watch it through the OTT platform or pirated sites because of the lack of affordability for the rising prices of the tickets.
Therefore, the Producers Guild even suggested having a nominal ticket price so that the footfall can be increased at the theatre and people from all sets can enjoy the glory of the theatre.
They have also agreed on the terms that the time duration can be increased for the films that take time to stream on the OTT platforms, meaning the waiting period or window, as it could drive the viewer’s attention towards the theatre since the waiting time for movies to come on OTTs will be increased.
There are almost 76 producers who have agreed to stop filming from August 1. Renowned producers who are a part of the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Producers Guild will gather to discuss the shifting trends and come up with reasonable solutions.
The only concern, for now, is whether the Telugu industry will reach where and what they are planning for and how many more will join forces and favor the decision.
