Cinema VinesFor years, many Malayalam films have struggled to find a life beyond the theatrical window, languishing on shelves for months or even years because they fail to secure an OTT deal. In response, the Kerala Film Chamber is launching a new platform called My Talkies, aimed at giving producers an alternative avenue to reach audiences and breaking the cycle that leaves filmmakers and investors in limbo.
“OTT platforms typically procure films based on a grading system. However, these days, even movies with well‑known artists often fail to secure deals, leaving producers—who have invested lakhs or crores—struggling to find an audience,” said Kerala Film Chamber president Anil Thomas. He added that My Talkies is intended as a long‑term support system for producers, especially those whose films are overlooked by mainstream OTT services.
Thomas clarified that the new service is not meant to compete with CSpace, the Kerala government’s free, non‑commercial platform. While CSpace allows viewers to watch titles without paying, My Talkies will operate on a pay‑per‑view model similar to other commercial OTT services. “We will begin this in November, and the final work is currently underway. We are 100 per cent sure that it will benefit all those who are members of the Malayalam film industry under the Kerala Film Chamber,” he said.
The platform will also honour the standard 42‑day theatrical window before a film becomes available online, but producers will have flexibility if a film underperforms in theatres. “If producers find that a film is underperforming in theatres, they have the option to withdraw it early and make it available on our platform. However, it must still meet the 28‑day minimum theatrical run, as certain procedures must be completed before the film can be streamed,” Thomas explained.
Support for the initiative has come from exhibitors who recognise that some films occupy screens without drawing audiences, and from actors such as Shwetha Menon. Menon told ANI that she does not agree with the idea of grading films, adding that a film is a film and that the platform could create more opportunities for actors and filmmakers alike.
With Malayalam cinema facing a widening gap between production and the availability of OTT slots, My Talkies offers producers an additional avenue to monetise films that struggle to secure conventional digital deals. While the platform’s sustainability remains to be seen, it represents a bold step toward ensuring that every Malayalam film has a chance to reach viewers beyond the cinema hall.
