The Karnataka government has taken a significant step to promote regional cinema by announcing the launch of a state-run OTT platform dedicated to Kannada films. This initiative, unveiled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the 2025 state budget, aims to provide a much-needed boost to the Kannada film industry and address the challenges faced by filmmakers in securing space on mainstream streaming platforms.
The platform will serve as a digital hub for Kannada cinema, showcasing a wide range of films that reflect the state's rich cultural, social, and historical heritage. To support this initiative, the government has allocated ₹3 crore to establish a repository of Kannada films in both digital and non-digital formats. This archive will preserve and celebrate the cinematic legacy of Karnataka, ensuring that future generations can access and appreciate these works.
The decision to create a state-run OTT platform comes in response to concerns raised by prominent Kannada filmmakers and actors, including Rakshit Shetty and Rishab Shetty, about the limited representation of Kannada films on popular streaming services. By offering a dedicated platform, the government aims to provide filmmakers with greater visibility and a more accessible avenue to showcase their work.
In addition to the OTT platform, the government has introduced other reforms to support the film industry, including granting it industry status and capping movie ticket prices at ₹200 across all theatres in Karnataka. These measures are expected to make cinema more affordable for audiences while fostering growth and innovation within the industry.
The launch of the state-run OTT platform marks a new chapter for Kannada cinema, providing a platform for regional storytelling and empowering filmmakers to reach a wider audience. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural identity of Karnataka through the medium of cinema.