Can "Spiritual & Devotion" focused streaming succeed?
Can "Spiritual & Devotion" focused streaming succeed?
Analyzing opportunities at Kanccha Lannka – Odisha's Rising Star in the OTT Landscape
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'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' Netflix Series Controversy
Directed by Anubhav Sinha, 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' is a dramatized portrayal of the notorious 1999 hijacking incident.
However, the show has stirred controversy due to its portrayal of the hijackers in the 1999 Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijacking incident. The show initially used Hindu code names for the terrorists, which sparked backlash from various quarters, particularly among Hindu right-wing groups. They argued that this choice of names distorted historical facts and insulted Hindu sentiments, alleging that the series attempted to link Hinduism with terrorism inappropriately.
Responding to the backlash and after facing governmental scrutiny, Netflix decided to update the series' opening disclaimer.
Netflix's Response and Updates: Netflix updated the series' opening credits to include the authentic names of all hijackers, addressing concerns about the portrayal of terrorists. Monika Shergill, Vice-President of Content at Netflix, affirmed the company's commitment to authenticity, stating that the code names were historically accurate and used during the actual hijacking event. Despite the changes in the disclaimer, no further edits were made to the series.
Government and Public Reaction: The adaptation led to a public outcry, with accusations of historical distortion and a social media campaign to boycott Netflix. This prompted an official review where Monika Shergill was asked to ensure future content respects national sentiments. During discussions with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Netflix committed to a sensitive portrayal of cultural and historical events.
Cast and Plot: The series features prominent actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, and Dia Mirza, and depicts the tense eight-day hijacking drama that began at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and concluded with the Indian government's controversial decision to release three high-profile terrorists in exchange for the hostages.
Cultural Impact: The series highlights the complex narrative of terrorism and its portrayal, touching on sensitive cultural narratives and the responsibilities of streaming platforms in representing historical events authentically.
Ministerial Review: Following the backlash, Shergill reassured that Netflix aims to reflect India's rich storytelling tradition while being mindful of the cultural sensitivities, promising a thorough review of content to avoid future controversies.
With some inputs from the India Today
Agenda
Kanccha Lannka – The Catalyst for Odiya Streaming
The Opportunity in Spiritual and Devotion focused Streaming
My Perspective: Tapping into Devotional Streaming
And….Action!
Welcome to the world of Orissa, a region rich in culture, language, and history, where the Odiya-speaking population thrives with a unique identity. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for regional content in the entertainment sector, and Odisha is no exception. Kanccha Lannka, an emerging OTT platform, is capitalizing on this demand by offering high-quality, original content that speaks directly to the heart of Odiya viewers.
The Cultural and Socio-Economic Context of Odisha
Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is an eastern Indian state with a population exceeding 41 million. The state is known for its rich cultural history, from its ancient kingdom of Kalinga to its pivotal role in India's independence movement. Odiya is the official language, spoken by over 50 million people globally, with a growing diaspora across countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, the United States, and Canada. The language holds a classical status, signifying its long-standing literary heritage dating back to the 10th century.
Odiya cinema, often referred to as "Ollywood," plays a significant role in reflecting the socio-cultural ethos of the state. With Bhubaneswar and Cuttack being the hubs for Odia filmmaking, the industry mirrors the local flavor, struggles, and triumphs of the people of Odisha. And it is within this vibrant environment that Kanccha Lannka has found its footing.
Kanccha Lannka – The Catalyst for Odiya Streaming
Founded by Bibhu Prasad Rath, formerly Director at Odisha Television Limited, Kanccha Lannka has quickly gained recognition as a premium OTT platform, offering original web series and films in the Odiya language. With a mission to showcase untold stories with an unconventional approach, Kanccha Lannka is breaking away from traditional formats to offer something fresh and engaging to viewers.
One of its most successful series, Barang 1999, received the prestigious Best Regional Web Series award at the Indian Telly Streaming Awards 2024. This award-winning content reflects the platform's ability to capture regional narratives that resonate with universal themes, making Kanccha Lannka a frontrunner in regional streaming.
What Makes Kanccha Lannka Unique?
Original, Exclusive Content:
Kanccha Lannka stands out for its exclusive content across multiple genres, including crime, thriller, romance, and comedy. The platform has captured a niche audience craving authentic Odiya stories told through contemporary lenses.Affordable and Accessible:
One of Kanccha Lannka’s greatest strengths is its affordability. The platform is designed to be budget-friendly (Rs. 349 year), catering to viewers on multiple devices, from smartphones to smart TVs. It also allows access to Odiya content for the Odiya diaspora, ensuring global reach.Distribution Partnerships:
Like other regional OTTs, Kanccha Lannka has focused on distribution as a primary strategy. With partnerships with platforms like OTTPlay and Reliance Jio, it is expanding its reach to ensure seamless streaming of its original content to Odiya-speaking audiences across India and devices.
^ A 4.5 Rating on the Playstore across 8,700+ reviews & 500K+ downloads is great going for a regional OTT provider in India and is amongst the highest across other regional language competitors.
The Opportunity in Spiritual and Devotion focused Streaming
While Kanccha Lannka has succeeded in entertaining its audience with original web series and films, there lies an untapped opportunity in devotional and religious streaming. Odisha is home to some of the most revered religious sites in India, including the Jagannath Temple in Puri, which is renowned for the annual Ratha Yatra festival. This chariot festival draws millions of devotees every year, both in person and virtually.
Why Devotional Streaming Matters
Serving the Devout Odiya Population:
With 94% of Odisha’s population identifying as Hindu, there is a significant demand for religious content, especially during important festivals like the Ratha Yatra. By offering live streams of such events, Kanccha Lannka can provide viewers with a virtual darshan, ensuring that those unable to attend in person can still partake in the spiritual experience.Diverse Revenue Streams:
Expanding into devotional content would open up a new avenue for revenue generation. From live streaming religious ceremonies to offering services like scheduling personalized poojas, Kanccha Lannka could diversify its portfolio while staying rooted in Odiya traditions.Global Engagement:
The Odiya diaspora, spread across countries like the U.S., Canada, and Southeast Asia, would greatly benefit from the platform’s ability to bring the spiritual essence of Odisha into their homes. Kanccha Lannka could also cater to non-Odiya speaking Hindus who have a connection to Odisha's religious heritage.
Expanding Horizons: The Future of Kanccha Lannka
As the platform continues to grow, its focus on blending entertainment with cultural heritage will be critical. With a loyal and expanding audience, Kanccha Lannka has the potential to not only become the premier source for Odiya entertainment but also the go-to platform for spiritual content from the region.
The future of Kanccha Lannka lies in its ability to continually adapt to the needs of its audience, whether through award-winning series like Barang 1999 or by offering religious experiences that transcend geographical boundaries. As Odisha continues to evolve in its socio-economic and cultural landscape, Kanccha Lannka is poised to be a significant part of this transformation, connecting the past, present, and future for Odiya-speaking people across the globe.
My Perspective: Tapping into Devotional Streaming
Recent studies reveal that as of 2023, the Indian faith market has soared to an impressive $58.56 billion, with religious and pilgrim tourism accounting for a significant share of this sector. Industry experts estimate that startups have the potential to capture up to 10% of India's burgeoning religious economy. Plus “Spiritual tech” platforms are now deploying advanced technologies such as AI and live streaming to enrich their offerings. These services range from astrology, numerology, and tarot card readings to virtual temple visits (e-darshans), online pujas, digital horoscopes (e-kundalis), zodiac consultations, and the sale of gemstones.
In my view, the opportunity for Kanccha Lannka to incorporate devotional streaming is immense. The Ratha Yatra in Puri is just one example of a grand religious ceremony that could draw significant viewership if streamed live. The Jagannath Temple, revered globally, could also offer exclusive “live streaming” of online poojas, which devotees could book directly via the platform.
With this added dimension, Kanccha Lannka would not only serve as a source of entertainment but as a cultural bridge, connecting Odiya-speaking people to their roots, heritage, and spiritual practices, no matter where they are in the world. The possibilities are endless, and this diversification would ensure that Kanccha Lannka remains at the forefront of the Odiya OTT revolution.
This Netflix movie is not for the faint hearted, but watch it for great performances, a gripping screenplay and edge of the seat thrill. A fictional story inspired by true events, several children go missing from a basti (slum) in Sector 36. A determined police officer must now face off with a cunning serial killer as a chilling investigation and dark secrets unfold.
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