OTT Round Up - Akshay Kumar Storms The OTT Space With Huge Reception For Bell Bottom, Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivii To Have Its OTT Premiere, Kota Factory 2 Gets A Major Debut At Netflix

Akshay Kumar starrer 'Bell Bottom' has taken over the digital arena with the best reception amongst all the movies and web series in the running currently.

OTT Round Up - Akshay Kumar Storms The OTT Space With Huge Reception For Bell Bottom (Source- Instagram)

By Joginder Tuteja

What was expected has indeed happened. Bell Bottom, which released in theatres four weeks back, is now storming the OTT space. Released on Amazon Prime, the action thriller has taken over the digital arena with the best reception amongst all the movies and web series in the running currently.

There was huge anticipation around the film, though in theatres it couldn't really find its due release space due to Maharashtra cinemas been shut, 50% occupancy rule, night shows curbing and general fear amongst the audiences to step out. However, it was pretty much a given that as and when it would be made available on OTT, it would be a record start for the film. This is what has happened for the biggie as it has sky rocketed from the very first day of release and is now seeing a constant rise in momentum in its first weekend.

The man who is rocking the show all over again is Akshay Kumar. The superstar has been consistency personified, as was seen in 2019 when he delivered three double centuries [Mission Mangal, Housefull 4 and Good Newwz], and one major century [Kesari]. Now even on the OTT space he is ruling as his Laxmii stays on to be the most streamed movie of last 10 months and now Bell Bottom is off to a flying start as well.

Meanwhile, an anthology Ankahi Kahaniya has also released on Netflix, which brings together a story each from directors Saket Chaudhary, Abhishek Chaubey and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. This one has turned out to be a mixed bag with stories that are indeed different but not necessarily amazing.

The one with Abhishek Banerjee has its moments, though after a while it seems like a stretch. Another one has Rinku Rajguru and Delzad Hiwale coming together which promises to be cute but isn't quite flashy on the eyes due to its slums/chawl setting. The third has Kunal Kapoor and Zoya Hussain, and is a mature take on affairs. This one would be picked up by the target urban audiences.

Coming soon

Another major film that would be arriving on OTT in the coming week is Thalaivii. The Kangana Ranaut starrer had already been in news for its much publicized OTT release happening merely two weeks after its theatrical release. The D-day is not too far away as the film is now set to have its big premiere on Netflix.

In theatres, the film has done practically nil business due to the fractured release. Hence, on OTT, it is seeing as good as a fresh start, and that's what makes its arrival quite interesting. Considering the fact that Kangana has been quite high about the film's prospects and believes that multiplexes have sabotaged its run, all eyes are now on the numbers that it garners on the OTT platform. With good eyeballs expected for the political drama, it would be nothing short of validation for the actress once audience reception is gauged in the coming days.

This week would be special as the much awaited Kota Factory 2 would be making its major debut on Netflix. The first season stays on to be one of the most loved web series ever to have out of the Indian small screen space. It wasn't just Jitendra Kumar but all the other youngsters who came together as well which lent a sense of believability to the life and times of IIT aspirants. Now with the cast returning for Season 2, one waits to see what are the new anecdotes from the much relatable web series that would be up there for grabs for the audiences.

Release dates

Thalaivii - Netfix - 24th September

Kota Factory 2 - Netflix - 24th September