South Indian Films Embrace 8 Week OTT Window Rule

The South Indian film industry is adopting a major change to protect theaters, following Bollywood's footsteps. Exhibitors have finalized a mandatory 8-week gap between theatrical releases and OTT premieres, aiming to boost box office collections and sustain the theatrical ecosystem.

This move marks a shift from the previous 4 week norm, where most South Indian films arrived on OTT platforms shortly after their theatrical release. The change is expected to impact producers, who may face lower OTT prices and cash flow issues due to delayed revenue.

The Multiplex Association of India enforces this policy, and national multiplex chains refuse to screen movies without an 8 week OTT window. The South India Exhibitors Association's decision applies to all new film projects, with existing films exempt if they have closed OTT deals.

The industry sees this as a necessary step, despite concerns. Producers are expected to adapt, and the implementation phase will reveal the policy's effectiveness