Ram’s Red : TV Channel Opposing OTT Release?

With the dilemma surrounding the movie theatres continues, several filmmakers are opting for exclusive OTT releases. Producer Dil Raju, who waited long for the opening of theatres, has finally opted for OTT release of V which saved him from big losses.

Now, the makers of Ram’s Red are also weighing options for OTT release. Buzz is that Netflix has offered a fancy deal for Ram’s Red. In fact, the Red team is also impressed with the offer. However, there is a catch. Since the makers have already struck a deal with Gemini TV for its satellite rights and digital rights for Sun Next, they said to have raised their objections and concerns. The channel management is said to have proposed for a staggering cut in the deal in case the producers are opting for an OTT release. With this, producers of Red are in a fix.

Though Red makers have proposed the TV channel to have their digital release on Sun Next after a few days after the film’s original release on the OTT platform, the channel has said a strict ‘no’. The channel is said to be strict on its condition that there would be a huge cut in their deal if the film is set for digital release on a OTT platform.

With this, the talks for Red’s OTT release are back to square one. Initially, producers of Red aren’t keen for OTT release. The makers were keen on the opening of theatres. Considering that Ram’s last film iSmart Shankar did open well at theatres and created a storm, the makers hoped for a similar opening at cinemas for Red. But given the special conditions due to Covid, even after opening of cinemas, there would be a proposed alternative seats and restriction on number of audience allowed for a show and of course, the fear factor among audience, finally Red makers have convinced for OTT release.

But looks like the TV channel that struck satellite and digital deal with the makers is acting as a major hindrance and possible deal-breaker for OTT release of Red. The makers of Red are doing their best to strike a fine balance between OTT platform and satellite channel. A breakthrough in the matter is expected soon. If all goes well, Ram’s Red will have an OTT release soon.