State to launch OTT platform to promote Kannada cinema globally: Mehaboob Pasha

The Karnataka government will soon launch its own over-the-top (OTT) platform to provide a global stage for Kannada films, said Mehaboob Pasha, Chairman of Kanteerava Studios Limited, at a press conference in Bidar on Wednesday.

Mr. Pasha said that discussions are already under way to finalise the structure and operations of the new government-backed digital platform, which is expected to be launched early next year.

“Thousands of Kannada films have not found space on private OTT platforms. Nearly 4,000 films have remained unreleased owing to the lack of distributors and theatres,” he said, adding that the government OTT platform would ensure that Kannada films, serials, folk arts, and tribal cultures reach audiences not only across the State and the country but around the world.

Mr. Pasha said that the government had already announced the OTT initiative in the State Budget, and that technical preparations and several high-level meetings had been completed.

“Unlike commercial platforms that charge high subscription fees, the government’s OTT platform will allow Kannada audiences across the world to access content at an affordable price. Revenue will be shared with producers based on viewership, ensuring that filmmakers, artists, technicians, and new talents benefit,” he explained.

The chairman also announced that the government has released ₹1 crore for celebrating the diamond jubilee of Kanteerava Studios, which marks 60 years since its establishment. “We plan to organise seminars on film production, unveil a statue of T.S. Karibasavayya, the founder of Kanteerava Studios, produce a documentary on former Chief Minister S. Nijalingappa, and host a musical evening as part of the celebrations,” he said.

Tracing the history of the studio, Mr. Pasha recalled that Kanteerava Studios was established in 1966 by Gubbi Veeranna, Karibasavayya, and others by purchasing land in Bengaluru through private partnership.

“Earlier, Kannada filmmakers had to go to Madras for production work. Recognising the need for a dedicated film studio in Karnataka, then Chief Minister Nijalingappa sanctioned ₹5 lakh for the project. However, in 1974, the studio was handed over to the government, which has since managed it,” he said.