COVID-19, lockdown and curfew have all affected our lives. The pandemic has thrown our economy into disarray. It hasn’t even spared our entertainment sector, the shooting has been postponed and the release has been postponed.
COVID-19 has raised many issues regarding the status and future of India’s huge film industry.
pre-pandemic era
The Indian film industry contributes significantly 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.
COVID-19 has changed the dynamics of the industry in many ways. We have seen it all, from the tumultuous journey of Bollywood through the pandemic to the birth of OTT.
COVID-19: Movies derailed; Catalyst for the rise of OTT
In March 2020, the Indian film industry came to a halt, filming was suspended and theaters closed. The first setback came with the postponement of big budget films like Sooryavanshi and 83.
According to the EY-FICCI Report 2021, filmed entertainment revenue declined by 62 percent in 2020, while theater revenue declined by 80 percent.
Film releases, distribution methods, revenue and other factors were changed as a result of constraints. While the film industry was struggling, OTT platforms experienced unprecedented growth. They jumped in at the opportune time and acquired the digital rights to the films to be released in theatres, filling the void left by the absence of theatrical releases.
However, now films are also releasing in theaters and film festivals like Kalakari festival have also started recognizing the talent. Meanwhile, Rishi Nikam’s film Sketch Book, which is creating buzz all over the world, is a barely 120 seconds long film which depicts eco-friendly life. The animated film “Sketch Book” premiered at the 21st edition of the Cine & Kalakari Film Festival starting 12 December and continuing till 20 December.
The sketchbook film, which was released in 2020, garnered several international accolades, including Best Animation and Best Silent Film, as well as mentions in the Best Actor in Cine category and other major honours.
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