Bengaluru: Days after announcing in the state budget that an over-the-top (OTT) platform would be launched to promote Kannada movies, the Karnataka Government has issued an order constituting a committee to prepare a framework for the initiative. The order, dated September 20, was released by the Chief Minister’s Office on Thursday.
10-member panel to prepare report
The government has formed a 10-member panel, headed by the Commissioner of the Department of Information and Public Relations. The committee includes prominent personalities from the Kannada film industry such as Mehboob Pasha, Chairman of Sri Kanteerava Studios Limited, Sadhu Kokila, actor-music director and Chairman of Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, film producers K. P. Srikanth and Rockline Venkatesh, and actor Duniya Vijay.
According to the order, the panel has been tasked with compiling a comprehensive report on the feasibility, structure, and operations of a dedicated Kannada film OTT platform. The report will be submitted to the state government for further action.
Other measures for Kannada film promotion
Alongside the OTT initiative, the Chief Minister’s Office released two other orders aimed at boosting the Kannada film industry.
The first relates to framing a draft policy that will treat the film sector on par with other industries. A 12-member panel has been set up to study policies followed by the Union Government and various state governments before preparing the draft.
The second order involves the formation of another 10-member panel to preserve Kannada films that highlight the social, historical, and cultural values of Karnataka. This panel will travel to Mumbai, Kerala, and other states to consult experts and study preservation techniques.
Government allocation for film repository
In its latest budget, the Karnataka Government allocated ₹3 crore to create a film repository. The repository will include both digital and non-digital formats of Kannada films, ensuring their conservation for future generations.
Conclusion
The Karnataka Government’s steps, from the proposed OTT platform to the preservation of cultural films, are expected to provide a major boost to the state’s film industry. With the committees bringing together officials, experts, and industry stalwarts, the move aims to strengthen Kannada cinema’s reach while safeguarding its legacy.