Kerala CM Vijayan launches India’s first state-owned OTT platform | Political News – Business Standard

The launch of CSpace also means leveraging cutting-edge technologies that will define Malayalam Cinema in the future, he said (Photo: X@PinarayiVijayan)

Kerala on Thursday launched India’s first government-owned OTT platform ‘CSpace’, with Prime Minister Pinarayi Vijayan terming it as a decisive step in the further journey of Malayalam Cinema.

Inaugurating CSpace, managed by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), at a function at the Kairali Theater here, the Chief Minister said this is a path-breaking initiative that showcases films of artistic and cultural value without the to harm the mainstream film industry.

Noting that earning profit is the main motive of the private sector OTT platforms that mainly focus on commercial films, CSpace is set to make a mark as a medium that brings quality films home, he said.

“Private OTT platforms are giving prominence to movies in the most spoken language as their main motive is to maximize profits. CSpace’s priority, on the other hand, is to onboard and stream content with artistic and cultural values. This will also promote the Malayalam language and culture,” Vijayan said.

The launch of CSpace also means leveraging cutting-edge technologies that will define Malayalam Cinema in the future, he said.

The decision that CSpace will only stream films that have already been released in theaters means that this is not a move that will harm the interests of the film industry. The aim is to promote good films without harming the interests of producers and exhibitors, the chief minister said.

Culture Minister Saji Cherian, who chaired the function, said the launch of CSpace is in line with the government’s policy of supporting the arts and artists representing diverse traditions, he said.

The films winning state, national and international awards will be streamed on the platform, he said.

Union Education Minister V Sivankutty, Food and Civil Supplies Minister GR Anil, Antony Raju, MLA, and Mayor Arya Rajendran were also present at the meeting.

KSFDC Chairman and Eminent Director Shaji N Karun said CSpace is a new initiative that aims to help manufacturers get back their investment through crowdfunding.

Total transparency in the profits it generates and the number of viewers it attracts are the distinguishing features of the platform, he said.

KSFDC is a state-owned company charged with promoting Malayalam cinema and industry, under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Government of Kerala.

To select the content, KSFDC has formed a 60-member curatorial panel, including leading cultural personalities like Benyamin, OV Usha, Santhosh Sivan, Shyamaprasad, Sunny Joseph and Jeo Baby.

Each submitted content is assessed by the curators for artistic, cultural and infotainment value before being shown on the platform.

A total of 42 films have been selected for streaming on CSpace in the first phase, including 35 feature films, six documentaries and one short film. Films that have won national or state awards and films showing at major film festivals will also be streamed.

Another distinguishing feature of CSpace is transparency in its operations and total revenue and revenue share.

The platform, which works on a pay-per-view basis, allows viewers to watch a feature film for Rs 75 and shorter content for a much lower price. Exactly half of the amount charged goes to the content provider.

Viewers can download the CSpace app from the PlayStore and App Store starting today.

First print: March 7, 2024 | 4:53 PM IST