Bengaluru: Amidst complaints that Kannada cinemas are not getting their due in OTT (Over The Top) platforms, the State Government is said to be planning to launch its own OTT platform for promotion of Kannada films in the new year.

An OTT is a digital distribution service of video and audio. In the context of movies, OTT platforms refer to the delivery of Film and Television content directly to viewers over the internet, bypassing traditional cable and satellite providers.

Popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime video are examples of OTT services, offering on demand streaming of movies and shows on various devices such as smart TVs, Phones and Computers.

Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Studios Chairman Mehboob Pasha, who is a member of the Committee formed by the State Government to chart out the modalities of the OTT platform, said that the Committee is studying the working of e-space platform  and ‘Waves’ of Prasar Bharati.

Pointing out that the Committee will hold a meeting with Information and Public Relations Department later this month, Pasha said that the feasibility report will be tabled at the meeting.

Pasha said that, the State Government is planning to invest Rs.50 crore for the OTT platform, expecting a good return on this investment in the next couple of years, if not immediately,  through subscriptions and other revenues,   through streaming of Kannada films and documentaries and as well as films of other languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi etc.