KOCHI: Malayalam movies have set a record in theatre revenue in 2024. In the first four months of 2024, movies earned more than the theatrical revenue earned in 2023. From January to April, Malayalam films have generated more than Rs 800 crores in theatres. Movies like Premalu, Manjummel Boys, Bhramayugam, Aadujeevitham and Aavesham were smash hits at the box office. In 2023, the total revenue was Rs 500 crores.
Manjummel Boys, which was made on Rs 36 crores, earned around 300 crores, according to an unofficial estimate. It became the highest grossing Malayalam film. The movie managed to earn huge revenue in Tamil Nadu as well.
At the same time, the withdrawal of OTT platforms has been a setback for many producers. Most producers are at the mercy of OTT platforms. Many films found it difficult to survive a day in theatres. The main reason for the crisis was the backing out of OTT giants who had bought films in huge amounts before production during the Covid period. OTTs have decided that films that they only need movies that are successful in theatres. Also, the satellite rights of movies have gone down.
Why OTTs back out?