Filmmaker Nagaraj Somayaji Questions OTT Applause and Calls for Industry Collaboration
Despite having only one directorial venture and another production to his name, filmmaker Nagaraj Somayaji has gained significant insights that he believes are crucial for the evolution of cinema. Currently immersed in his upcoming project Devi Mahatme, Somayaji opens up about several pressing issues facing the film industry today. He emphasizes the necessity for more transparent dialogues, a shift toward authentic storytelling over outdated formulas, and the importance of continuous growth rather than resting on past achievements.
OTT Praise Should Not Be Celebrated as Achievement
Somayaji expresses a candid perspective on the trend of films gaining appreciation on OTT platforms after underwhelming theatrical runs. He shares that many viewers contacted him to praise his film Maryadhe Prashne after watching it online, but this did not fill him with pride. "OTT applause is not a badge of honour," he states bluntly. While acknowledging that he made a decent film and is open to constructive criticism, he questions why the same love wasn't shown in theatres.
He urges filmmakers to stop feeling satisfied when their movies receive positive feedback on streaming services. "It's not some great achievement. It doesn't benefit the director, nor does it offer the producer any monetary compensation," Somayaji explains. He warns against treating OTT views as a consolation prize, highlighting that this mindset does little to advance the industry or support creative professionals financially.
Resisting the Mass Hero Temptation
Following the release of Maryadhe Prashne, Somayaji received numerous offers from families eager to launch their sons as mass heroes. These proposals typically included rigid requirements such as four fight sequences, five songs, a grand introduction, and a punchy interval block. "I honestly couldn't comprehend making such a film," he admits, pointing out the industry's tendency to rush into big-budget projects after a single success.
Somayaji clarifies that he operates within a commercially established circle but remains committed to his own path. "As a filmmaker, I'm comfortable doing small or medium-budget films for a while. There's no rush to prove a point by immediately doing something bigger," he asserts. This stance reflects his belief in prioritizing storytelling over formulaic approaches that dominate mainstream cinema.
Lack of Collaboration in Kannada Film Industry
Beyond box-office pressures, Somayaji is troubled by the scarcity of collaboration within the Kannada film industry. He observes that other film industries exhibit more support and enthusiasm among peers, whereas in Kannada cinema, knowledge sharing is rare and tolerance for others' growth is limited. "Support and knowledge sharing is missing in the Kannada film industry," he notes, emphasizing how this hinders collective progress.
However, he finds hope in the backing he has received for his upcoming film Devi Mahatme. Filmmakers Arvind Kuplikar and Jaishankar Aryar have provided valuable assistance through discussions, which Somayaji describes as genuinely uplifting. "This kind of collaborative creative process can only help everyone involved — and ultimately push us towards better, more meaningful filmmaking," he explains, advocating for a more united and supportive industry environment.
As Somayaji continues his work on Devi Mahatme, his insights serve as a call to action for filmmakers to embrace change, foster collaboration, and redefine success beyond OTT metrics.
