While these films garnered appreciation from a niche audience, reaching a larger crowd is challenging without support from OTT platforms.
Published Aug 27, 2024 | 5:33 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 28, 2024 | 2:34 AM
The broader audience isn't ready for films like 'Pedro' and 'Shivamma', says Rishab Shetty. (Facebook)
Actor Rishab Shetty has supported a few “festival films”—including Pedro (2021) and Shivamma (2024)—but they’re yet to reach a broader audience.
Natesh Hegde’s Pedro has not secured a theatrical or OTT release, while Jaishankar Aryar’s Shivamma had a limited theatrical run but received a lukewarm response and still lacks an OTT deal.
At last year’s International Film Festival of India, Rishab Shetty highlighted OTT platforms’ hesitation to pick up Kannada content.
He also warned that without ways to recoup investments in festival films, the motivation to create such movies would eventually fade.
In a recent X space conversation promoting his upcoming production Laughing Buddha, Rishab Shetty discussed the financial aspects of Shivamma.
He explained that after its festival run, they had recouped about 50 percent of the investment, but this was spent on its theatrical release.
The Kannada film earned around ₹3 lakh, which was then used to cover the service charge for uploading it to the digital cinema technology provider.
Rishab Shetty notes that the broader audience isn’t ready for films like Pedro and Shivamma.
While these films garnered appreciation from a niche audience, reaching a larger crowd is challenging without support from OTT platforms or government subsidies.
He adds that the pandemic diminished the global market for festival films, making theatrical releases a gamble. Though Shivamma has a more commercial appeal and may eventually break even, Rishab emphasises that his goal wasn’t profit. Instead, he wanted to support emerging writers, filmmakers, and talent, fostering growth in the Kannada film industry.
Rishab Shetty acknowledged that platforms have assessed the potential returns from the Kannada film industry.
Using Kantara (2022) as an example, he questioned how many other Kannada films have achieved similar universal appeal. He observed that while some films get positive reviews, not all are genuinely outstanding. “If they were exceptional, platforms would seek them out instead of filmmakers pursuing them.”
Laughing Buddha, directed by Bharath Raj and set for release on 30 August, is inspired by a real incident in Himachal Pradesh and follows the struggles of a police constable named Govardhan. As a producer, Rishab Shetty expressed enthusiasm for the film, praising its unique approach.
“While many films focus on police officers’ professional lives, Laughing Buddha delves into their struggles with lighthearted humour. Bharath Raj has skillfully balanced both aspects. With Pramod Shetty and other talented actors, the film has shaped up well. I’m eager for its release post-assembly elections, aiming for a July theatrical release,” Rishab Shetty said, also noting his work on Kantara A Legend Chapter 1.
The film features Vishnu Vijay making his Kannada music debut, with cinematography by Chandrashekaran and editing by KM Prakash. Laughing Buddha also stars Teju Belawadi and Sundar Raj in key roles.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
