It is no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown our economy into disarray, while keeping us hooked inside with few entertainment options. COVID-19 has put filming on hold, pushed back release dates and hasn’t spared the Indian film industry either. On the other hand, OTT came to the rescue.
Before the pandemic, India’s film industry was a major contributor to the country’s economy. The last ten years (2010-2019) have been nothing short of spectacular. 2019 was a strong year for films, with a growth of 25.53 per cent in box office earnings in 2019. However, the current situation has raised many concerns about the present and future of India’s huge film industry.
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, a growing number of filmmakers have chosen to air films on OTT platforms, gaining acceptance among consumers in the country.
Several new over the top (OTT) platform companies emerged as a result of this situation, which spread their reach across India. Earlier, OTT platforms were limited to specific cities. However, it is now available in every nook and corner of the world, even in communities. And the results are on display for all to see.
When people were confined to their homes and could not go to the cinema, they turned to apps like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+, Zee, Voot, and others.
Meanwhile, the film festival circuit has also been hit by the coronavirus outbreak. Major events on the calendar have either been pushed back or cancelled. The prestigious Cannes Film Festival has been postponed. While many major events, such as the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, are still on schedule, concerns remain regarding the travel arrangements and screening safety standards of international participants.
However, with the end of the second wave of COVID-19 this year, things have started again and with this the Kalakari Film Festival by Rishi Nikam (KFF) on Tuesday brought out a line-up of Indian and International feature films, documentaries announced, and short films from various genres that will be screened during the 2021 edition of Kalakari.
Having received entries from nearly every continent, Kalakari 2021 film selection includes feature films showcasing interesting world regions and cultures.
International film experts, press and professionals will have the opportunity to see 50 great underrated films selected for the Kalakari Film Festival in February 2021. The 6th edition of Kalakari Film Festival will be held on February 09 2022 as an individual event.
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