Karnataka Launches Panel to Develop Government-Run OTT for Kannada Films

The Karnataka government has initiated the formation of a panel aimed at establishing a state-run over-the-top (OTT) platform to promote Kannada films. This development follows an announcement by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the 2025-26 budget presentation, where he stated that “steps will be taken to create an OTT platform to promote Kannada films.”

The newly formed panel will gather essential information to outline the project for the streaming platform. Its responsibilities also include conducting a comprehensive study and recommending the necessary funding to the government. This information was confirmed through a press statement released by the Department of Information and Public Relations.

Key Members of the Panel

The Commissioner of the Information and Public Relations Department will lead the panel. Key members include prominent figures in the Kannada film industry such as Mehboob Pasha, chairman of Kanteerava Studio Ltd; Sadhu Kokila, president of the Karnataka Film Academy; and film producers K P Srikanth and Rockline Venkatesh. The panel also features actor Duniya Vijay, along with members from the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy (KCA), including Ivan D’Silva and Deshadri H.

The creation of this panel reflects Karnataka’s commitment to enhancing the visibility of its regional cinema. By fostering a dedicated platform, the government aims to provide a space for Kannada filmmakers to showcase their work, potentially reaching wider audiences.

Comparative Initiatives in India

This initiative mirrors a similar move by the Kerala government, which launched the first government-backed OTT platform in March 2024. Named CSpace, this platform was developed by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSTDC) and focuses on promoting Malayalam films that possess artistic and cultural significance. CSpace operates on a pay-per-view model, with filmmakers receiving fifty percent of the revenue generated.

As Karnataka embarks on this journey, the successful implementation of its OTT platform could significantly impact the Kannada film industry, providing a new avenue for filmmakers and audiences alike to engage with regional cinema in a digital format.