Saikiran Uppuluri
Saikiran Uppuluri
The Indian film industry is abuzz with a clash between producers and a major international streaming platform. The conflict arose after the streaming giant refused to release an action film on its platform, citing substandard visual effects and an incomplete state. This rejection has not only sent shockwaves through the production team but has also escalated into a legal tussle.
According to sources, the streaming platform found the film’s visual effects work to be subpar, with visible green screen remnants in some scenes. “The producers have submitted an incomplete film – the VFX work is substandard and at some places has the visible presence of a green screen. The studio has some protocols to follow, and they can’t release an incomplete film on their platform,” the source revealed.
The situation has escalated further, with the streaming giant withholding payment of approximately Rs. 70 crores for the film, citing a breach of trust. “They were promised a global project, and what has come their way is an output worse than the science project of a school-going child,” the source added, highlighting the platform’s dissatisfaction with the final product.
In response to the streaming platform’s rejection, the producers have filed a legal case against the streaming giant. The producers’ sources claim that differences in artistic interpretation have led to this impasse. “What’s a school-going project for the platform is actually an attempt from their end to go global. There are limitations on the budget, but the producers are proud of what they did in limited costs. The storytelling is complete, and some visual effects were left incomplete due to delays in delivery from the VFX companies,” the producers’ camp argues.
The producers also cite contractual obligations as a factor in the rush to release the film. “They were bound by the contract to bring the film in that particular month, as it was slated to hit the digital world in eight weeks. Some more time would have ensured better output,” they claim.
While the streaming platform remains firm in its stance, refusing to back down, the producers have taken back the rights to their film. They are now in negotiations with a rival platform, hoping to find a more favorable distribution partner.
This clash highlights the growing tensions between content creators and streaming platforms in the ever-evolving digital landscape. As audiences demand higher production values and streaming platforms enforce stringent quality checks, such conflicts may become more common. The resolution of this legal battle could set a precedent for future collaborations between producers and streaming giants in the Indian film industry.
