Kerala to launch India’s first state-owned OTT platform on Nov 1

In a first in the country, Kerala will launch a state-owned over-the-top (OTT) platform, ‘CSpace’, on November 1 offering film lovers an array of movies, short films and documentaries of their choice.

Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cheriyan revealed the name of the OTT platform as CSpace, which is an initiative of Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) on behalf of the state government, through video conferencing at a function in Kalabhavan Theatre, here on Wednesday.

KSFDC Chairman Shaji N Karun presided over the function.

The launch of CSpace, which boasts several unique features, will coincide with the state’s formation day on November 1.

Noting that this was a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, Cheriyan said the launch of the state-owned OTT will mark a new beginning and will considerably help in the growth of Malayalam cinema.

Assuring that the new OTT will not create a crisis for the movie business, Cheriyan said films will be streamed on CSpace only after their theatrical release.

“CSpace ensures profit sharing, transparency and high-end technical quality,” he said.

Cheriyan said the OTT platform will also showcase films with artistic value irrespective of their performance at the box office, along with internationally recognised and award-winning films, best films screened at the annual International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), short films and documentaries. PTI