The gap between theatrical releases and OTT streaming has been shrinking, and it’s causing concern among distributors. With the rise of digital platforms, many filmmakers are taking precautions, either by delaying agreements or keeping the streaming dates under wraps. However, without proper planning, films may struggle to find success at the box office.
A fresh example of this phenomenon is the Malayalam film Identity. Released on January 2 in Malayalam, this investigative crime thriller created a decent buzz, but it wasn’t a massive blockbuster. Nevertheless, the film attracted a certain audience, leading to its late release in Telugu. Featuring a well-known cast, including Tovino Thomas, Trisha, and Vinay Varma, Identity was expected to connect with Telugu audiences.
However, the twist came today when Zee5 officially announced that the film will start streaming on their platform from January 31—just seven days after its theatrical release in Telugu. What’s even more surprising is that not only will the original Malayalam version be available, but also the dubbed versions in major languages, as confirmed in the promotional material.
This leaves audiences with an interesting dilemma: why pay for a theatre ticket when you can watch the film at home in just a week’s time? Given the costs associated with releasing a film in theatres, the quick shift to OTT raises questions about the viability of theatrical releases in such a competitive environment.
Identity revolves around a crucial accident case, with a young woman losing her memory and two men getting involved in a thrilling investigation. Despite an intriguing premise, directors Akhil Paul and Anas Khan struggled to keep the film fully engaging, which may have affected its box-office potential.
