‘The Great Indian Kitchen’ to ‘Aarkkariyam’: Why Malayalam films are streaming on multiple OTT platforms

With theatres remaining closed, a fresh set of streaming services has sprung up and Malayalam films are now being released across platforms

Sanu John Varughese’s Aarkkariyam had to be taken out of cinemas within eight days of its release (April 1) because of the paucity of viewers. But when it released on OTT a month later, the film won a huge audience and appreciation. The film is currently streaming on eight platforms: Neestream, Cave, Roots, Amazon Prime Video, FilMe, First Shows, BookMyShow and Koode. It has already got nearly six lakh views across all the platforms and will have its television premiere this weekend. The Great Indian Kitchen, one of the most talked about movies this year, is streaming on Neestream, Amazon Prime Video, Cinemapreneur, FilMe, GudSho, Saina Play, Limelight Media, Roots and Cave. It is likely to be available in more platforms. Nayattu is playing on Netflix and Simply South, Kho Kho on Saina Play, Simply South, Amazon Prime Video and FilMe and Kala on Amazon Prime Video, Saina Play and Aha (dubbed in Telugu). Low-budget productions and a few independent movies are also streaming on multiple OTT platforms simultaneously.