The Kerala government is all set to launch its over-the-top (OTT) platform called “CSpace” this week, featuring an initial offering of 50 films. The main objective of this platform is to ensure a space and revenue share for low-budget, independent films, marking the first-of-its-kind initiative by a state government. According to the officials of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), the platform will showcase critically acclaimed and award-winning films that were released over the past few years.

Moreover, films that had a successful run at festival circuits but did not get a proper commercial release in theatres will also be part of the films on offer. The platform aims to provide an opportunity for film enthusiasts to watch acclaimed films that are usually hard to access outside of the festival circuit. The State government has considered the platform as a cultural intervention rather than a market-driven or revenue-generating initiative.

The platform will have a revenue-sharing model, unlike the major players, where producers receive only the amount agreed at the time of purchase. There will be no subscription fee. Instead, it will work on a pay-per-view model where producers of the films will get a share of the revenue. The rate to watch a film is fixed at ₹75, with half of this amount going to the producer.

The KSFDC had called for submissions from producers and filmmakers to submit their films to the ‘CSpace’ platform, which received a large number of submissions. A panel of curators evaluated these submissions and selected the most deserving ones. The “C” in the name stands for cinema as well as Chitranjali, the Kerala State Film Development Corporation’s film complex. Documentaries, short films, web series, and other curated content will also be part of the platform.