Will Pay Per View Work Out For Ramayana?

Ramayana is reportedly exploring a pay-per-view model on JioHotstar after its theatrical run. While the idea could help the makers generate additional revenue, it also comes with a major challenge: piracy.

Unlike the regular OTT model, where subscribers can watch movies as part of their existing plans, pay-per-view requires audiences to pay extra for a particular film. The big question is whether viewers will be willing to spend more to watch Ramayana at home.

Given the film’s scale and star cast, many fans may prefer watching it legally. However, if the additional cost is too high, some viewers could turn to pirated copies available online.

Piracy remains a major concern for big-budget Indian films, especially when high-quality copies become available soon after their digital release. Even a short delay in controlling illegal uploads could affect the potential revenue.

The pay-per-view model could work if the pricing is reasonable and the viewing experience justifies the extra cost. Otherwise, audiences may simply wait for the film to become available through a regular streaming subscription.

For Ramayana, the real test will be whether its massive fan following translates into paid digital viewership. The model offers an opportunity to earn more, but piracy could prove to be its biggest hurdle.