Hyderabad: South Indian film producers on Sunday pushed back against proposed OTT window mandates and embargoes, warning of financial strain and calling for a joint, industry-wide consultation before any changes are enforced. The producers’ move comes after exhibitors from all five South Indian states recently met and, in principle, proposed a standardised eight-week theatrical window before films move to OTT platforms. For exhibitors, the intent was stated as an effort to bring audiences back to cinemas and strengthen theatrical business.

The statement was issued by the South Indian Film Producers’ Association (SIFPA), a collective comprising the Telugu Film Producers Council, Active Telugu Film Producers Guild, Tamil Film Producers Council, Tamil Film Active Producers Association, and Kerala Film Producers Association. The group met in Hyderabad to address concerns raised by theatre owners’ and exhibitors’ bodies over “OTT window mandates”.

Meeting called over embargoes and OTT window dispute

SIFPA said the meeting was convened to discuss recent embargoes in Tamil Nadu that restrict film releases unless producers agree to an eight-week OTT window commitment. The association stated that such conditions affect producers’ ability to sell non-theatrical rights and could disrupt recovery.

A Steering Committee, representing all language industries, has been formed to engage stakeholders across sectors and review next steps on a continuing basis.

What was decided

The producers outlined five key outcomes. First, they flagged “risk and uncertainty”, citing financial pressure and warning that rigid release timelines would hamper recovery.

Second, they rejected unilateral decision-making by any one sector, stating that producers, distributors and exhibitors must follow a formal consultative process.

Third, SIFPA called for a joint meeting with all stakeholders, including distributor and exhibitor associations, on May 10 in Hyderabad.

Fourth, the association issued a status quo directive until that meeting, asking all parties not to implement any demands, including seeking OTT confirmation letters from producers.

Fifth, members were advised to continue current production and release processes and not issue individual OTT commitment letters to any association until a collective decision is reached.

SIFPA urged cooperation across the industry, stating that the ecosystem depends on coordinated action among all sectors.