»Dil Raju Admits Early Ott Releases Hurt Theater Attendance
Dil Raju Admits Early OTT Releases Hurt Theater Attendance
Dil Raju, a leading producer in the Telugu film industry, is renowned for his commitment to delivering high-quality cinema and consistently producing a large number of films each year. His dedication has made him a prominent figure in the industry, often considered the go-to person for production needs. However, Dil Raju recently opened up about a critical issue affecting the industry: the impact of early OTT releases on theater attendance.
Dil Raju, a leading producer in the Telugu film industry, is renowned for his commitment to delivering high-quality cinema and consistently producing a large number of films each year. His dedication has made him a prominent figure in the industry, often considered the go-to person for production needs. However, Dil Raju recently opened up about a critical issue affecting the industry: the impact of early OTT releases on theater attendance. At a recent event, Dil Raju admitted that producers, including himself, have inadvertently spoiled audiences by offering films on OTT platforms within just four weeks of their theatrical release. This strategy, intended to attract viewers, has instead led to a significant decline in theater attendance. Audiences have grown accustomed to watching new films from the comfort of their homes, reducing their incentive to visit cinemas.
During a Q&A session related to his upcoming film *Saripodha Sanivaram*, Dil Raju reflected on this issue, acknowledging the mistake made by producers. He expressed regret over the decision to promise quick OTT releases and how it has shifted audience behavior. “We realized where we went wrong,” he said, with a hopeful smile. “Things will definitely change, and very soon, people will start coming to theaters actively again.” Dil Raju highlighted that post-COVID, theater attendance has been particularly challenging. Many people now only go to the movies for major releases or films that offer a unique theatrical experience. He identified ticket prices as a major factor influencing this trend. High costs have discouraged many potential moviegoers, and Dil Raju believes that if producers could exert more control over ticket prices, it might encourage more people to return to theaters. Additionally, Dil Raju emphasized the importance of creating engaging content rather than relying solely on star combinations. He suggested that filmmakers should focus on innovative and compelling stories to draw audiences back to cinemas. By addressing these issues, he hopes to revive the theater-going culture and restore the appeal of watching films on the big screen.