Indian documentaries are gaining recognition on the global stage, thanks to films like “The Elephant Whisperers,” “Against the Tide,” “Writing with Fire,” and “All that Breathes.” These movies have received nominations and awards at prestigious events such as the Oscars, Sundance, and Cannes. The popularity of over-the-top (OTT) platforms has also contributed to the increased reach of these documentaries. Indian subscribers watched over 50% more Netflix original documentary content on average from Q3 2020-Q2 2021 than they did in the corresponding period in 2018. Documentary viewership is on the rise, although Netflix has not yet shared its latest numbers.
Shaunak Sen, whose movie “All that Breathes” was nominated for the Best Documentary Feature Film at the Academy Awards this year, says that non-fiction films were once treated as a poor cousin of mainstream cinema in India, and neglected as a result. While things have improved in recent years, he remains guardedly optimistic.
Ashvin Kumar, India’s youngest Oscar-nominated and two-time national award-winning filmmaker, believes that documentaries in India can be profitable if they secure a sale to an OTT platform. However, without this, generating revenue can be challenging. Kumar notes that screening at film festivals can increase the credibility and visibility of a documentary, potentially leading to a deal with OTTs. In conclusion, the Indian documentary circuit has come into its own in terms of reach, and non-fiction filmmakers have found an economic model that can sustain them, as long as they secure a deal with an OTT platform.
