The South is eating OTT’s lunch — Bollywood isn’t the main course anymore

Economic Times
Economic Times
2M ago
The rise of southern cinema in India's OTT market signifies a pivotal shift in the entertainment landscape, highlighting the importance of regional storytelling and audience engagement. As platforms adapt to this new reality, the cultural influence of southern states will likely continue to grow.
The South is eating OTT’s lunch — Bollywood isn’t the main course anymore
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Key insights

  • 1

    Shift in Content Consumption: Southern audiences are consuming OTT content at higher rates than their northern counterparts.

  • 2

    Investment in Regional Content: Major platforms are significantly increasing their investment in southern-language films and series.

  • 3

    Cultural Crossover: Southern cinema is gaining mainstream recognition, influencing national entertainment trends.

  • 4

    Growing Subscriber Base: The number of OTT subscribers in southern India is rapidly increasing, reflecting changing viewing habits.

A What happened
India's OTT landscape is undergoing a transformation as southern states emerge as the primary force in content creation and viewer engagement. Historically dominated by Bollywood, the streaming market is now seeing a surge in interest for Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films. The pandemic accelerated this trend, with audiences exploring regional content in greater numbers. Platforms are investing heavily in southern storytelling, recognizing the region's cultural significance and viewer preferences. With over 250 million potential viewers and high digital penetration, southern states are reshaping the entertainment economy. Major platforms are expanding their content offerings, focusing on original series and films that resonate with local audiences, thus marking a shift towards a more inclusive and diverse entertainment landscape.

Topics

Culture & Society Media Society

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