Stars’ Screen Time Now Dictating OTT Deals in Film Industry

It may sound unusual, but the truth is that OTT platforms are increasingly influencing film production in ways never seen before. Many filmmakers today are finalising projects only after securing profitable digital rights, ensuring they are protected from potential losses at the box office.

Budgets too are being planned strategically so that producers remain financially safe regardless of a film’s theatrical fate. In some cases, release dates are also being determined in consultation with OTT partners, who are reportedly imposing multiple conditions before signing a deal.

Amid ongoing debate within the industry about the growing dominance of OTT platforms, a surprising revelation has emerged through Malayalam star-actor and producer Dulquer Salmaan. During a recent roundtable conversation, Dulquer shared his experience with his blockbuster Lokah Chapter 1.

He disclosed that the team initially struggled to secure an OTT partner due to the film’s relatively unfamiliar cast. To boost the appeal, he even did a cameo alongside Tovino Thomas in hopes of attracting digital players. However, he revealed a startling trend OTT platforms are now examining the screen time of stars before quoting a price for digital rights.

According to Dulquer, Lokah Chapter 1 failed to fetch the expected amount because both he and Tovino Thomas appeared only briefly rather than in full-fledged roles. His comments reportedly shocked the other participants at the roundtable.

This shift highlights how drastically the dynamics of film production have changed. OTT platforms are not only influencing release strategies but are now entering script discussions, story decisions, and pricing models based on actor screen time. Many within the industry feel this growing interference is an unhealthy trend that could reshape filmmaking in concerning ways.

Follow Telugu Funda on trending Social Media Platforms for more Cinema, OTT, Political, And Sports updates.