After the boom of streaming platforms and the myriad of content it introduced to consumers at home during the pandemic-induced lockdown, it's safe to say that the medium has settled down with the masses. It has evolved into an avenue for content we rarely see on the big screen, and a place for filmmakers to go beyond what is considered commercial or mainstream cinema. This has greatly benefited women filmmakers across the country, especially from the Tamil film industry, many of whom have ventured into streaming over the past few years.
Commissioning stories from the heart
One of the first Tamil web series directed by Nandini J.S. Nila nila read waa In 2018, recently returned Prime videosLatest Series, Inspector Rishi. While the gender of the producer is not a concern, filmmakers feel that the same cannot be said of the end consumer.
“For movies, you have to pitch it to the lead and the producer; That limits the kind of stories that come out. These actors and producers also opt for heroism-laden scripts, as the theater-going population is overwhelmingly male. A film gaining a family audience and women coming to theaters to watch it is an achievement,” says Nandini, adding that a female creator needs a male-centric story to break through and complete a project. “They cannot go with a script based on self-expression or a story that reflects their lives, emotions and characters. On OTT platforms, you can tell a wide range of stories and they are ready to listen to any genre. So, for women technologists, there are more opportunities on the streaming front.
Nandini JS with the cast and crew of 'Inspector Rishi' Photo credit: @primevideoin/Instagram
Director Madhumita echoes Nandini's thoughts. Film producer, his KD Engira KaruppuduraiIt received a warm reception on streaming after its theatrical run, even helming a segment on Prime Video. Putam Pudu Kalai Vidyadha And worked for two OTT platforms on consulting and commissioning projects.
“Having worked at both ends, I have learned that it is difficult for a first-time director to take a subject to a producer or a lead. You can't blame them as there is no product to judge the caliber of a debutant. For a film, I first come up with an idea that needs to be converted into a screenplay, and then pitch it to the producer or the lead,” says Madhumita, who also points out the difference in the MO of these platforms.
Joju George and Nadiya Puttam Pudu Kalai Vidyadha… | Image Credit: Exclusive Arrangement
“In streaming, the platform works with you in development; After the first step of having a Story Bible, you put it on stage. Then if they see potential in it, it goes for approval for development. And they don't greenlight it to shoot straight away; It takes six to eight months to develop a project before the platform and creators are approved for production. For first-timers and seasoned filmmakers like us, this not only gives us multiple perspectives, but also gives us time to soak in the idea and refine it.
Director Madhumita Image Credit: Exclusive Arrangement
Madhumita adds that though having a star attached to a project is not a prerequisite, it certainly helps. “There is something called poster value. There are requirements from certain platforms to have the lead in the show, because they believe it will bring audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. There is an informed structure with OTT platforms. While the performance of the content is important, the box office risk and how the film performs in its first weekend,” he said. He adds and says how the platform allows newcomers or directors who might struggle to get in, or producers.
“This is the reason why directors like me take up projects. A first-time filmmaker spends a lot of time trying to get hold of a producer or actor, and maybe one in ten breaks through that line. But, I want to assign content where you have time to get to know the creator, so that you can trust his vision.
What sets streamers apart
All the directors say is that female filmmakers working on OTT platforms is not an indication that the medium is relatively easy to break into. Director Kirutiga Udayanidhi produced the ZEE5 web series Paper rocket, says, “If your passion is in cinema, being a filmmaker precedes factors such as gender, medium of release, target audience and so on. I would say that with streaming more opportunities have opened up for all filmmakers and you will see us cross both mediums in the future.
Directed by Kirutiga Udayanidhi
“I think it's not a question of whether we as women are given more opportunities in OTT. I strongly feel that there is no pressure for them either as there is no pressure to deliver on a Friday and producers and actors are willing to bet more on it,” says Madhumita.
A still from 'Paper Rocket' Image Credit: Exclusive Arrangement
“When we celebrate such films Manjummel Boys, Premalu And Brahma Yuga – Everything Happens in Malayalam – It's still a violent, action film that every star wants to go to because it's the kind of drama that works. If some filmmakers don't want to tell such stories, OTT allows them to explore the genres and stories they want. Furthermore, a Tamil show is not necessarily limited to a Tamil Nadu audience. Since the streaming boom in India, it has been considered secondary by many, which I disagree with. I remember a Korean man coming up to me after watching Kd And talking about how it resonated with him because he has a tradition of abandoning old people.
'Corporates keep their promises'
Director Halita Shamim is another creator with a fair share of experience working with non-theatre avenues. Her picture why After finding its audience on Netflix, it skipped a theatrical release for a live-television premiere. Halita also helmed an episode of the Prime Video compilation series Putam Pudu Kalai Vidyadha.
Directed by Halita Shamim
He says the professionalism of OTT platforms sets them apart from a creator's point of view. “When you are making a film, you are the boss because you have complete freedom over it. But you have no control over what happens to it after the end of production. What is promised to be a theatrical film may have a direct OTT release or a television premiere. But this does not happen on OTT platforms,” says Halita. “Corporates deliver on the promises they make, from budget to creative freedom. In films, the creators rely on various external factors; If it's not the producer, it could be the censors or random people filing a petition to stop the release of your film. This is fortunately not the case with streamers.
Adding to Halita's views, Nandini says, “Be it story pitching or submitting a pitch deck, everything is in emails and recorded. You conduct auditions, you have video evidence, you attend meetings and everything goes by the books. As for financial regulations, there are dedicated teams to monitor where every rupee is spent; So there is more control and professionalism with OTT platforms.
Halita says that successfully integrating with such corporate bodies is a skill that filmmakers need to develop. “Many do not know how to deal with these corporate companies; Some creators may find their way of working offensive or offensive. Very few directors – producers understand where they are coming from – and have been able to create waves in this medium. I think women filmmakers are better equipped to handle conflicts in these quarters.
A still from the movie 'Ale'
Madhumita is currently helming the Hindi adaptation of the action drama Angamaly Diaries., rounded it off by adding that the filmmaker's love for the big screen will never compromise due to the rise of streaming. “I am a person who likes to watch movies at least three times a week at the cinema. As a director, it's mind-blowing to sit and watch your film with a live audience.
OTT should be considered as another medium that allows you to unambiguously tell the story you want to tell without the pressure of lead value and numbers. But that doesn't mean women are getting more opportunities here,” she concludes.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that veterans of Tamil cinema could learn a thing or two from the performance of these streaming platforms. While it's only a matter of time before the two paths start to go hand in hand, it's a relief to see some of the industry's best holding onto the cutting edge of evolution.