Shivarajkumar: We have to look at OTTs too for producers’ survival

Big stars across the country have been coy about OTT releases, but with the pandemic delaying the reopening of theatres and resumption of normal life, filmmakers are now increasingly looking to release their movies on the digital platforms. Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar, in a recent interview, also threw his weight behind OTTs.

In an interview with The New Indian Express, Shivarajkumar said that while he feels theatre reopening is important, he also accepted that OTT platforms are the next best option. “We have to look at the OTT route too, mainly because it is a question of producers’ survival. It also depends on the kind of projects coming up. I have been noticing big-star films coming on various streaming channels. It is not a bad idea. We have to wait and watch,” he said.

The actor is currently part of a slew of interesting projects including Bhajarangi 2, directorials by Vijay Milton, Ram Dhulipudi, A Harsha and Nanda Kishore. He was awaiting the release of Bhajarangi 2 when the second lockdown was declared.

When he was asked if the movie is heading for an OTT release as rumoured, the superstar said, “Nothing is planned yet.” The actor says that he believes that the reopening of theatres would once again spark life for the industry. “I hope everything gets better and there is a sense of confidence that the industry will return to normalcy,” he said in the interview.

Earlier this year, several Kannada movies including Puneeth Rajkumar’s Yuvarathnaa and Darshan’s Roberrt had released on OTTs, albeit after its theatrical releases. Makers of several big Kannada films including Yash’s KGF: Chapter 2 and Rakshit Shetty’s 777 Charlie, meanwhile, have hinted that the movies will release first in theatres.