Check out the list of top 10 successful films released during the pandemic on OTT platforms instead of cinema halls!
As the world turned toward consuming content, particularly films releasing straight to OTT platforms, films began to gradually start releasing on OTT platforms last year in June-July 2020. The transfer of large films arriving directly to our living rooms instead of theatres on March 24, 2020, marks one of the biggest and most rapid transformations in the world of cinema.
Last year, movie theatres around the country closed their doors, signalling the start of a long-awaited transition from movie-going to couch-viewing. As a result, in this era of lockdowns owing to the global coronavirus pandemic looming over our heads, more and more directors and producers realised the economic benefits of an OTT release over a theatrical release.
Check out these 10 films that took a digital turn instead of waiting for cinema halls to reopen.
Raat Akeli Hai:
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Shweta Tripathi, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Shivani Raghuvanshi, Nishant Dahiya, Gyanendra Tripathi, Ila Arun, Swanand Kirkire, Nitesh Kumar Tiwari, and Aditya Srivastava star in Raat Akeli Hai, a 2020 crime thriller drama film on Netflix. Honey Trehan directed this film, which was the director’s first, and we must say, it was a promising one!
Lootcase:
Lootcase is a dark comedy directed by Rajesh Krishnan, who is made his directorial debut. The film stars Kunal Khemu and Rasika Dugal in the lead roles, with Vijay Raaz, Ranvir Shorey, and Gajraj Rao in supporting roles. It revolves around a red, shiny suitcase full of cash, which leads to a hilarious “loot.” Fox Star Studios produced and financed the 2020 film, which is now accessible to view on Disney+Hotstar.
Shakuntala Devi:
Shakuntala Devi is a film that will undoubtedly send you on an emotional ride. The movie is about a mathematician’s journey to becoming ‘The Human-Computer,’ as well as her connection with her daughter. The film stars Vidya Balan in the lead role, alongside Sanya Malhotra, Amit Sadh, and Jissu Sengupta in supporting roles, and is directed by Anu Menon.
Abundantia Entertainment, a major production business, tries to create fantastic content that is strong and women-centric while often centring around various social topics, and this film is a great example of that. Amazon Prime Video has Shakuntala Devi available to watch.
Sherni:
Sherni is yet another critically acclaimed film directed by Amit Masukar. Sherni is about an upright Forest Officer who tries for balance in a world of man-animal conflict while simultaneously seeking her true calling in a harsh setting, and is directed by Vidya Balan. This 2021 film was meant to be a theatrical release but ended up being a direct OTT release instead. The film can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl:
Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is a film produced by Dharma Productions and Zee Studios that is literally uplifting in nature. The film, which stars Jahnvi Kapoor in the lead role and Pankaj Tripathi and Angad Bedi in supporting roles, is a biopic of Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, who makes history as India’s first female combat pilot in the Kargil War. The film depicts a great father-daughter relationship and reminds us of the many possibilities available to us if we have the correct support and mindset. The film can be watched on Netflix.
Ludo:
Ludo is a black comedy crime flick that will make you laugh out loud! The film, directed by Anurag Basu, features a large and impressive ensemble. From a rediscovered sex tape to a renegade suitcase of money, four vastly diverse storylines collide at the whims of fate, chance, and one crazy criminal in this hilarious comedy. Last year, on Diwali, the film was released on Netflix.
Bulbbul:
The film follows the storey of a child bride who grows up to be an intriguing woman reigning over her household, holding a tragic past while supernatural killings of men afflict her village, and is produced by Anushka Sharma. Tripti Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Paoli Dam, Rahul Bose, and Parambrata Chattopadhyay star in Anvita Dutt’s film, which also stars Avinash Tiwary, Paoli Dam, Rahul Bose, and Parambrata Chattopadhyay.
Gulabo Sitabo:
Gulabo Sitabo is a story about two conniving men who are in a fight of one-upmanship, each one enticing other members to his clan and each one with his own agenda. It’s hilarious, current, and full of punchlines that will have you ROFLing. The film is directed by Shoojit Sircar and depicts the absurd banter between Mirza, an elderly man portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, and his tenant Baankey, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, who he wants to evict but Baankey is adamant about staying. This 2020 film, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, is in a league of its own and has received positive reviews from reviewers and audiences alike.
Cargo:
Cargo, a Netflix film directed by Arati Kadav and starring Vikrant Massey and Shweta Tripathi, is about a young female astronaut who joins a reclusive astronaut aboard a spaceship and struggles with her work while interacting with mysterious Cargos who come on the ship. After screening at MAMI and almost appearing at SXSW, it was picked up by Netflix as a science-fiction feature.
Sir:
Sir tells the story of an upbeat and motivated young woman from a rural town who begins her new job as a live-in maid for a wealthy family’s jaded son. They fall in love ultimately, but their relationship is forbidden. The picture, which is from the indie film genre, was released on Netflix last year and received an instantly positive response. The slow blooming of love between Tillotama Shome and Vivek Gomber, who play the two leads, has an effect on the spectator unlike any other. This is a beautifully crafted film directed by Rohena Gera that is a must-see for all romantics out there!
