In a surprising move, Netflix has announced that “Gangs of Godavari” will be available for streaming on its platform in just two weeks. The film, which stars the popular actor Vishwak Sen, will be accessible in multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada starting June 14th. This rapid transition to OTT comes exactly 14 days after its theatrical release, a trend that is becoming increasingly common in the industry.
The film, produced by the renowned Sithara Entertainments, is not a low-budget production. It features a strong cast and has been eagerly awaited by fans. The quick shift to streaming could potentially change how audiences perceive actors like Vishwak Sen. With the expectation that his future films might also be available on OTT platforms shortly after their theatrical release, viewers might opt to wait for the streaming version rather than heading to the theaters.
A netizen expressed their concern over this trend, stating, “Something seriously messed up is happening with our producers if they are willingly allowing this to happen. This is way too soon.”
“Gangs of Godavari” is a Telugu rural action drama that has generated significant buzz since its release. Directed by Krishna Chaitanya and produced by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, the film features music by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The movie’s production began in May 2023 and wrapped up by September of the same year, but it faced delays before finally hitting theaters on May 31, 2024.
The film follows the story of Rathna, a character from a village in the Godavari coastal regions of India, and his journey from rags to riches. Alongside Vishwak Sen, the movie stars Neha Sshetty and Anjali in key roles, with supporting performances by Nassar, P Sai Kumar, Hyper Aadi, Praveen, and Madhunandan.
During a recent press conference, Vishwak Sen confirmed that “Gangs of Godavari” is intended to be a franchise, hinting at a sequel in the works. However, he did not provide further details on the subject.
The film’s quick move to Netflix is part of a broader trend where OTT platforms are securing streaming rights for films at hefty prices. This strategy has been particularly evident with Netflix, which has been acquiring the digital rights to numerous films recently. The exact streaming date for “Gangs of Godavari” was initially expected to follow the typical four to eight-week pattern seen with other South Indian films, but the two-week turnaround has caught many by surprise.
The production values of “Gangs of Godavari” have been praised, despite the delays it faced. The team behind the film has been celebrating its success, and the supporting cast, including Sai Kumar, Nasser, Hyper Aadi, Goparaju Ramana, and Ayesha Khan, have been acknowledged for their contributions.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the rapid transition from theaters to OTT platforms is becoming more common. This shift is not only changing how films are distributed but also how they are consumed by audiences. With “Gangs of Godavari” arriving on Netflix so soon after its theatrical release, it will be interesting to see how this impacts future releases and audience expectations.
In the meantime, fans of Vishwak Sen and South Indian cinema can look forward to streaming “Gangs of Godavari” on Netflix starting June 14th. The film’s availability in multiple languages ensures that it will reach a wide audience, further solidifying its place in the digital streaming landscape.
