• Nisarga C A
• Dr. Govind ji Pandey

Abstract OTT platforms have transformed the entertainment industry, offering regional cinema unprecedented opportunities to reach diverse audiences. This study explores the factors driving the success of Kannada films and series on OTT platforms, focusing on what works and why. By analyzing the most popular content released between 2020 and 2024, the research identifies key trends, audience preferences, and industry practices shaping Kannada cinema’s digital journey. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of viewer ratings, reviews, and streaming data with qualitative insights from interviews with filmmakers, content creators, and industry experts. Findings reveal that culturally rooted narratives, compelling storytelling, and relatable characters are central to audience engagement. Genres like family dramas, thrillers, and historical epics enjoy widespread appeal, while innovative and experimental content attracts niche viewers. High production quality and creative marketing strategies, including social media promotions and influencer collaborations, ensure visibility and success. The research also highlights the role of AI-driven algorithms on OTT platforms in influencing content discovery and consumption patterns. Additionally, Kannada content’s emphasis on cultural identity strengthens its resonance with regional and diaspora audiences, enhancing its global appeal. This study contributes to understanding regional cinema’s evolution in the digital age, offering insights for filmmakers, OTT platforms, and marketers to optimize content creation and distribution strategies. It underscores the importance of blending cultural authenticity with innovative approaches to meet audience expectations. The findings serve as a roadmap for leveraging OTT platforms to elevate Kannada cinema in the competitive digital entertainment landscape, setting the stage for further exploration of regional content dynamics.

Keywords- leveraging OTT platforms, Kannada cinema, regional content, AI-driven algorithms, landscape, digital and filmmakers.

""A Study of the Most Popular Kannada Films and Series on OTT Platforms: What Works and Why"", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 11, page no.f671-f680, November-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2411578.pdf

""A Study of the Most Popular Kannada Films and Series on OTT Platforms: What Works and Why"", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 11, page no. ppf671-f680, November-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2411578.pdf