Barroz, Rifle Club, and Identity: Are Malayalam Film OTT Release Windows Shrinking?

2 months ago | 5 Views

Tovino Thomas's film Identity, which premiered in theatres on January 2, 2025, is set to make its digital debut on ZEE5 on January 31, 2025. This indicates that there will be less than a month between its theatrical release and its availability on OTT platforms. The same trend has been observed with Aashiq Abu's Rifle Club and Mohanlal's Barroz, both of which were released on OTT shortly after their theatrical runs. This raises the question of whether the OTT release windows for Malayalam films are becoming shorter and whether their box office success influences this trend.

Barros, Rifle Club and Identity on OTT in less than a month

Rifle Club, featuring a talented ensemble that includes Dileesh Pothan, Anurag Kashyap, Vijayaraghavan, Hanumankind, Vani Viswanath, and Darshana Rajendran, premiered in theatres on December 19, 2024, coinciding with the Christmas season. Directed by Aashiq Abu, this film, which embraces a Western theme, became available on Netflix on January 16, 2025, just under a month later. Each film industry has its own designated timeframe before a movie can be released on OTT platforms. For example, Hindi films typically observe an 8-week interval between their theatrical release and availability on OTT services.

Malayalam films typically debut on OTT platforms approximately four weeks following their theatrical release. Therefore, it is noteworthy that all three of the latest Malayalam films are arriving on OTT in a shorter timeframe than expected. While Netflix usually provides access to films within 30 days, it is particularly surprising that Barroz became available on Hotstar on January 22, 2025, despite its theatrical release occurring just a month earlier on December 25, 2024.

The action thriller Identity, which marked the commencement of Malayalam film theatrical releases for the year, is scheduled to be available on ZEE5 (also OTTplay Premium) in under 30 days.

Mohanlal’s Barroz, in particular, received negative reviews from critics and struggled to attract audiences during its theatrical run. While Identity initially performed well at the box office, it concluded its theatrical run with a total of Rs 16.58 crore, according to Sacnilk. This shift in release strategy raises concerns regarding the potential shortening of the OTT window, particularly as some films have not met expectations. Films that underperform often secure a safety net through OTT agreements, yet their release dates may be advanced.

Sookshmadarshini, Marco buck the trend

The significance of box office performance in decision-making can be illustrated by the film Sookshmadarshini, featuring Basil Joseph and Nazriya Nazim, which premiered on OTT platforms on January 11, 2025. This film was released in theatres on November 22, 2024, where it experienced a successful box office run. Notably, it did not adhere to the typical 30-day release window, instead taking nearly two months to transition to OTT.

Conversely, Marco, which was released in theaters on December 20, 2024, coinciding with the Christmas season like Barroz and Rifle Club, has made a significant impact at the box office. This action film, recognized as one of the most violent in Malayalam cinema, was directed by Haneef Adeni and produced by Shareef Muhammed. As of now, Marco has not yet been made available on OTT platforms. Although earlier rumours were suggesting a potential release on Netflix, the producer has since refuted these claims as mere speculation.

OTT rights of Malayalam films

The rights for over-the-top (OTT) distribution of certain films, particularly those featuring prominent stars, are often sold before their theatrical release. This has become a contentious issue for "Thudarum," which stars Mohanlal and is set to premiere in theatres on January 30, 2025. In a previous discussion regarding the film's postponement and its connection to streaming agreements, a source informed OTTplay that current streaming platforms are hesitant to invest significantly in Malayalam films, particularly as they approach the end of the financial year.

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen how forthcoming Malayalam films will perform in theatres and subsequently on OTT platforms, which will help determine whether this emerging trend will persist.

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!