INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty, present at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) with his film 'Kantara' vying for the
prestigious Golden Peacock award, voiced grievances regarding the treatment of Kannada cinema by OTT platforms
Rishab Shetty lamented what he perceives as biased treatment towards Kannada films within the digital streaming landscape.Sharing his
journey from the Bangalore Film Festival, where he served as a volunteer and absorbed cinematic experiences, to his participation at IFFI
and other festivals with his films, Rishab Shetty expressed apprehension concerning the reception of Kannada cinema at such esteemed
platforms.'Kantara 2' first look: Rishab Shetty shows birth of a legend in blood-soaked video
particularly for Kannada cinema
He remarked, "Pre-COVID, the festival circuit was beneficial for us, aiding in funding for film projects." However, he noted a significant
collapse in this avenue post-pandemic.He raised concerns about OTT platforms allegedly closing doors for Kannada films after a commercial
film faced a negative reception, citing a lack of subscriber interest in Kannada content
Urging support from governmental bodies and festivals like IFFI, NFDC, and MAMI, he appealed for recognition and endorsements to facilitate
the visibility of Kannada films on platforms like Jio and foreign streaming services.In addition to 'Kantara,' two other Indian films
competing for the esteemed Golden Peacock are 'Sanaa,' starring Radhika Madan and Pooja Bhatt, and the Karbi film 'Mirbeen.'
