Why Are Sookshmadarshini, Marco, and Rifle Club Delayed? Insights from Producer Listin Stephen
11 hours ago | 5 Views
Numerous reports and speculations regarding the release date of 'Sookshmadarshini' on OTT platforms have circulated online in recent days. While it has been suggested that a well-known platform has acquired the OTT rights for the film featuring Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph, the producers of 'Sookshmadarshini' have yet to provide any official confirmation. Listin Stephen, a prominent producer in the Mollywood film industry, discusses the challenges faced by films like 'Sookshmadarshini' in finalizing OTT agreements, which often result in delays in streaming. This situation is similarly observed with other recent releases, including 'Marco' and 'Rifle Club.'
Listin Stephen on OTT deals of Sookshmadarshini and other movies
In a recent interview, Listin Stephen discussed the current landscape of the Mollywood industry concerning OTT business agreements. He noted that films are typically sold to OTT platforms only after their theatrical release.
"Many films, including those featuring prominent stars, are opting for the pay-per-view model. Previously, there was a specific range or amount that films would generate in the OTT market. Now, no producer can predict the financial outcome of a movie. This reflects the present scenario," Listin stated during an interview coinciding with the release of his film ED. The film, starring Suraj Venjaramoodu, premiered alongside Marco and Rifle Club during the Christmas season.
The producer highlighted that for several popular films of 2024, including Premalu, Manjummel Boys, ARM, and the latest release Sookshmadarshini, the agreements for OTT distribution were finalized only post-release. He stated, “The contracts for all these films were signed only after their release.”
Additionally, he mentioned that numerous other recent films have yet to finalize their OTT agreements.
In a recent announcement, Sharif Muhammed, the producer of Unni Mukundan’s Marco, clarified that the streaming rights for his film have not been acquired by any platform. This film, described as the most intense action movie in Malayalam cinema, is currently experiencing significant success in various regions of the country.
Fahadh Faasil, the star of Aavesham, previously commented on the lack of substantial support for Malayalam films from OTT platforms. The pan-India sensation, known for his involvement in projects like Premalu and Aavesham, stated that although Malayalam cinema is often celebrated as exceptional, it must first succeed in theatres before securing deals with OTT services. This situation stands in stark contrast to other film industries, where agreements with OTT platforms are frequently established well in advance of a film's release, and occasionally even prior to the commencement of filming.
