Kerala to launch India’s first state-owned OTT platform on November 1

In a first in the country, Kerala will launch a state-owned over-the-top (OTT) platform, ‘CSpace’, on November 1 offering film lovers an array of movies, short films and documentaries of their choice.

Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cheriyan revealed the name of the OTT platform as CSpace, which is an initiative of Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) on behalf of the state government, through video conferencing at a function in Kalabhavan Theatre, here on Wednesday.

KSFDC Chairman Shaji N Karun presided over the function.

The launch of CSpace, which boasts several unique features, will coincide with the state’s formation day on November 1.

Noting that this was a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, Cheriyan said the launch of the state-owned OTT will mark a new beginning and will considerably help in the growth of Malayalam cinema.

Assuring that the new OTT will not create a crisis for the movie business, Cheriyan said films will be streamed on CSpace only after their theatrical release.

“CSpace ensures profit sharing, transparency and high-end technical quality,” he said.

Cheriyan said the OTT platform will also showcase films with artistic value irrespective of their performance at the box office, along with internationally recognised and award-winning films, best films screened at the annual International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), short films and documentaries.

Registration of films on June 1
The registration of films to be streamed on CSpace will begin on June 1, for which necessary arrangements have been made at Chitranjali Studio as well as the head office of KSFDC in the state capital.

On projects to modernise KSFDC, he said sufficient funds will be provided for the renovation of government-owned theatres and necessary funds have already been provided for the project to transform Chitranjali Studio into a favourite shooting location of filmmakers.

Noting that OTT has a global appeal in the internet era, KSDFC chairman Karun said it offers a wide reach for films without language barriers.

“CSpace assures transparency and it ensures that the producers or their families will get a long-lasting income like a pension on their intellectual property. Kerala has set a model for other states through the launch of its own OTT platform,” said Karun, an award-winning director and cinematographer.

KSFDC Managing Director N Maya, who welcomed the gathering, said the OTT platform is never going to affect the theatre business as it is meant for appreciating a variety of films, including short films and award-winning documentaries.

“Unlike certain other OTT platforms, CSpace gives the facility to watch a particular film by paying for it alone. One part of the amount given for the film by the viewer will go to the producer, who will get his share whenever viewers watch that film,” she added.

Established in 1975, KSFDC is the first public sector corporation for film development in India. PTI