Kishkindha Kaandam on OTT: Where to stream Asif Ali's hit drama right now?

The latest Malayalam movie Kishkindha Kaandam, starring Asif Ali in the lead role, finally arrived on streaming platforms on Tuesday. The film is now available on Disney+ Hotstar and Hulu. It took about 10 weeks to premiere on digital platforms, showcasing Malayalam cinema’s growing resistance toward quick OTT releases.

In the post-pandemic era, streaming platforms have become major stakeholders in the cinema business. They often influence even the release dates of new movies. However, in recent years, OTT platforms have been more cautious in making strategic investments in Malayalam cinema, while enthusiastically licensing content from Tamil and Telugu industries. This cautious approach has empowered Malayalam filmmakers to resist quick OTT releases and focus more on theatrical success for recovery and profits.

This shift has reshaped how Malayalam filmmakers approach their craft, increasing the theatre-worthiness of their films and boosting ticket sales. The year 2024 has been remarkable for Malayalam cinema, grossing over Rs 1500 crore in theatrical earnings—a new industry benchmark.

Kishkindha Kaandam contributed significantly to this success. Made on a modest budget, the film earned over Rs 70 crore, making it one of the highest-grossing Malayalam movies of the year.

The film was released in cinemas on September 12, coinciding with the Onam celebrations. It benefited from the extended holiday season and successfully competed with Tovino Thomas's Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) at the box office.

Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, Kishkindha Kaandam is an intimate family drama infused with the energy of a thriller. The slow-burning narrative explores the personal tragedy of Ajayan (played by Asif Ali) and his journey to reconcile with a series of grave mistakes that impact his family. The movie also stars Aparna Balamurali and Vijayaraghavan in pivotal roles.

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