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South Indian Producers Reject Unilateral OTT Window Mandates by Exhibitors

The South Indian Film Producers Association has strongly rejected unilateral mandates from exhibitors and distributors regarding OTT release windows. The association, representing producers from Telugu, Tamil, and Kerala industries, convened in Hyderabad to address the issue. It has formed a Steering Committee and called for a joint stakeholder meeting on May 10, 2026, to reach a collective decision. Producers are advised to continue their current processes and not issue any individual OTT window commitments until then.

Key Points: South Indian Film Producers Reject Unilateral OTT Window Rules

  • Rejects unilateral OTT window mandates
  • Calls for stakeholder meeting on May 10, 2026
  • Advises producers against individual commitments
  • Forms Steering Committee for industry betterment
2 min read

South Indian Film Producers Association rejects unilateral decisions by exhibitors, distributors in OTT window issue

South Indian film producers reject unilateral OTT window mandates, call for stakeholder meeting in May 2026 to decide collectively.

"No association can take unilateral decisions that impact the entire ecosystem without a formal consultative process. - SIFPA"

Mumbai, April 19

The South Indian Film Producers Association has issued a strong statement on the ongoing issue with regards to the films' OTT window.

On Sunday, the body took to their X, formerly Twitter, and shared a letter addressed to the producers, exhibitors and distributors.

The South Indian Film Producers Association (SIFPA), which comprises of the Telugu Film Producers Council, Active Telugu Film Producers Guild, Tamil Film Producers Council, Tamil Film Active Producers Association, and Kerala Film Producers Association, convened at Hyderabad to address the OTT window mandates proposed by various Theatre Owners and Exhibitors Associations.

The body said that it has formed a Steering Committee.comprising of all language industry Associations, which will meet all the stakeholders from other sectors to decide on the steps to be taken for the betterment of the industry regularly

The SIFPA today specifically addressed the recent embargoes issued by certain associations In Tamil Nadu that restrict the release of films unless Producers sign an 8-week OTT window commitment. Following a unanimous discussion among representatives of the Associations from all the film industries of South India, we have reached the following decisions

The body has rejected unilateralism to ensure fair play for all sectors including producers, distributors, and exhibitors. No association can take unilateral decisions that impact the entire ecosystem without a formal consultative process.

It has also called for stakeholder consultation seeking a joint meeting with all stakeholders on May 10, 2026 in Hyderabad.

Producer members are advised to continue their current production and release processes and are specifically instructed not to issue any individual letters of commitment regarding OTT window to any Association, until a collective decision is reached among all of us in South India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a movie lover, I just want good content. But I understand the producers' point. Theatres are struggling, but so are producers after the pandemic. A forced 8-week delay for OTT feels too long nowadays. Hope they find a middle ground that doesn't hurt creativity.
R
Rahul R
Finally some unity! South Indian cinema has always led the way. Exhibitors can't just impose rules. What about producers who recover costs faster on OTT? The steering committee idea is good, but they need to act fast. The industry can't be in a stalemate.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this level of organized pushback. In the US, the windows have been collapsing for years. Theatrical experience is unique, but consumer habits have changed globally. The May 2026 meeting seems far away though—won't this delay releases?
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while I support collective bargaining, the producers' associations have also been guilty of not listening to smaller stakeholders in the past. This steering committee must genuinely include everyone's voice, not just the big players. Transparency is crucial.
A
Anjali F
Good step! The theatre owners in Tamil Nadu were being unreasonable. Not every family can afford multiplex prices for a whole family. OTT gives access to so many. A balanced approach is needed for the survival of both cinemas and the OTT ecosystem. 🤝

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