In a significant move for the world of Indian cinema, Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan unveiled the nation’s maiden government-owned Over-the-Top (OTT) platform, ‘CSpace,’ on Thursday. Managed by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), the platform aims to revolutionize the film industry by prioritizing content with artistic and cultural value over commercial considerations.
During the inauguration ceremony at Kairali Theatre, Chief Minister Vijayan emphasized CSpace’s commitment to promoting quality films, distinguishing it from profit-driven private-sector OTT platforms. He underscored the platform’s focus on content in the Malayalam language, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Kerala’s unique language and culture.
CSpace’s launch aligns with the government’s broader policy of supporting diverse art and artists, as highlighted by Culture Minister Saji Cherian. The platform’s content selection process involves a 60-member curator panel, including prominent cultural personalities, ensuring that films with state, national, and international acclaim take center stage.
Notably, CSpace will exclusively stream films that have already been released in theaters, a move intended to support the film industry without compromising its interests. The platform’s unique feature of operating on a pay-per-view basis allows viewers to access feature films for Rs 75, with half of the amount contributing directly to the content provider.
KSFDC Chairman and renowned director Shaji N Karun emphasized CSpace’s commitment to transparency, outlining its profit-sharing model and viewer statistics. He highlighted the platform’s role in aiding producers to recover investments through crowd-funding.
In its first phase, CSpace will showcase a curated selection of 42 films, including feature films, documentaries, and a short film. The lineup comprises films that have earned national or state awards and those featured at major film festivals, ensuring a diverse and high-quality viewing experience for subscribers.
CSpace’s launch marks a significant step forward for Malayalam Cinema, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches that are poised to shape the future of the industry.
