Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched India’s inaugural state-run over-the-top (OTT) platform 'CSpace' in Thiruvananthapuram.

The platform, overseen by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), will showcase acclaimed films, short films, documentaries, and other content with significant artistic and cultural value, according to sources. Films showcased at major international film festivals will also have the opportunity to be featured on CSpace.

The KSFDC has selected a curator panel consisting of 60 eminent experts to assess content submitted to the platform. Each piece of content will be evaluated by a panel of three members, who will determine its artistic merit and suitability for screening on the platform, as confirmed by sources.

In the initial phase, CSpace has admitted 42 films, comprising 35 feature films, six documentaries, and one short film, for public streaming. These films will be accessible to the public for streaming. CSpace can be downloaded on both Android and iOS platforms.

The platform will function on a pay-per-view model. Users will only need to pay Rs. 75 to watch a film and a reduced amount for viewing short films. Half of the amount paid by the public for a piece of content will be allocated to its creator.

In January of this year, KSFDC chairman and renowned filmmaker Shaji N Karun stated to HT that CSpace represented a parallel cultural initiative. He expressed that CSpace would stream the diverse or unconventional films produced in Malayalam that merit global viewership.

"Our aim is to enhance the discernment of our audience. Currently, Tamil and Telugu films dominate box office revenues in Kerala theatres. We aspire to influence a shift in audience preferences," he articulated.

CSpace was launched at a juncture when Malayalam cinema was gaining prominence in various regions of India and across the globe, owing to the presence of established OTT platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Renowned for its realistic narratives and content-focused scripts, Malayalam films, spearheaded by emerging actors and technicians, have the potential to surpass language barriers and attract new audiences.

Karun previously stated, "Almost 50% of the revenue generated from streaming a film will be allocated to cover expenses related to technical aspects, rental costs, quality enhancements, website maintenance, etc. The remaining 50% will be given to the film's producer. In cases where the director has received a state or national award, a portion of the revenue will be allocated for the intellectual rights of the film as well. This platform prioritizes the interests of creators by providing them with a share of the revenue."

Image source: NDTV