Mehaboob Pasha, Chairman, Kanteerava Studios Limited, addressing a press conference in Bidar on Wednesday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Karnataka government will soon launch its own over-the-top (OTT) platform to provide a global stage for Kannada films, Mehaboob Pasha, chairman of Kanteerava Studios Limited, said at a press conference in Bidar on Wednesday.
Mr. Pasha said discussions are already underway to finalize the structure and operation of the new government-backed digital platform, which is expected to launch early next year.
“Thousands of Kannada films have not found space on private OTT platforms. Nearly 4,000 films remain unreleased due to lack of distributors and theaters,” he said, adding that the government’s OTT platform will ensure that Kannada films, serials, folk art and tribal cultures reach audiences not only in the state and country but across the world.
Mr. Pasha said that the government has already announced the OTT initiative in the state budget and that technical preparations and several high-level meetings have been completed.
“Unlike commercial platforms that charge high subscription fees, the government’s OTT platform will enable Kannada audiences worldwide to access content at an affordable price. Revenue will be shared with producers based on viewership, ensuring that filmmakers, artists, technicians and new talent will benefit,” he explained.
The Chairman also announced that the government has released ₹1 million to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Kanteerava Studios, which has completed 60 years of its establishment. “We plan to organize film production seminars, unveil a statue of TS Karibasavayya, founder of Kanteerava Studios, make a documentary on former chief minister S Nijalingappa and organize a musical evening as part of the celebrations,” he said.
Tracing the history of the studio, Mr. Pasha recalled that Kanteerava Studios was established in 1966 by Gubbi Veeranna, Karibasavayya and others by purchasing land in Bengaluru through a private partnership.
“Earlier, Kannada filmmakers had to go to Madras for production work. When Chief Minister Nijalingappa realized the need for a dedicated film studio in Karnataka, he sanctioned ₹5,000 for the project. But in 1974, the studio was handed over to the government, which has been running it ever since,” he said.
Published – 05 Nov 2025 20:41 IST
