HT Exclusive | Vinod Kapri on almost quitting filmmaking after Pyre's OTT rejection, ₹7000 bank balance and losing 70% shows after Ramayana release

Filmmaker Vinod Kapri has spoken about the difficulty of finding a digital home for Pyre, despite the film receiving recognition at international festivals. Several OTT platforms were approached, but none expressed interest in acquiring the title.

Festival acclaim did not translate into distribution

The film’s experience highlights a gap between recognition on the festival circuit and access to a wider audience. For independent filmmakers, praise from international festivals does not necessarily guarantee that a streaming service will take on a project.

Kapri said the challenge extends beyond Pyre. He pointed to several films that he considers better than his own and said they also remain unreleased. His comments underline the distribution barriers faced by independent productions, even when filmmakers believe the work deserves to be seen.

A wider challenge for independent cinema

OTT platforms have become an important route for films seeking audiences beyond traditional theatrical channels. When platforms decline to acquire independent titles, those films can remain unavailable to viewers despite their festival presence or perceived quality.

Kapri’s remarks draw attention to the difference between making a film and securing its release. For Pyre, the immediate challenge remains finding a platform willing to bring the film to audiences.

What happens next

The film’s future release remains tied to whether an OTT service decides to acquire it. Until then, its festival recognition stands alongside an unresolved distribution challenge.