Why does Netflix not have Kannada films?
Netflix is known for offering a wide variety of content in multiple languages, yet it has notably lacked Kannada films. This gap is finally being addressed with the release of Bagheera, marking the first Kannada movie to be streamed on Netflix. Despite the rise of Kannada cinema in recent years with blockbuster hits like KGF and Kantara, Netflix has not included Kannada content until now.
One of the reasons for this delay is the lower perceived demand for Kannada films compared to other South Indian languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. Kannada movies have traditionally had a smaller audience, especially in international markets, which may have influenced Netflix’s decisions. In an old interview, actor and director Rishab Shetty pointed out that Kannada filmmakers often have to struggle to get their films onto OTT platforms due to low demand and limited viewership.
Moreover, Kannada cinema has generally focused on specific genres, limiting the variety and experimentation seen in industries like Malayalam cinema, which has a reputation for diverse storytelling. This could explain why platforms like Netflix have been slower to adopt Kannada content, which may not appeal to a broader audience in the same way.
However, the Kannada film industry is evolving, with films like Bagheera showcasing higher production quality and storytelling that could reach a wider audience. As Netflix begins to introduce Kannada films, this move could pave the way for more content from the region, potentially growing the viewership and demand for Kannada cinema globally.
