Netflix Says Goodbye to Kannada Classic ‘U Turn’ After 9 Years
Updated on: 05 May, 2025 08:00 AM IST |Sudheesh SK
kannada movies are removed from OTT
Why did Netflix remove `You Turn` from their platform
In a heartfelt post on social media, director Pavan Kumar shared the news that the hit Kannada film `U Turn` will be removed from Netflix after a successful 9-year run on the platform. Released in 2016, `U Turn` made history as the first Kannada film to be featured on the streaming giant, bringing a regional blockbuster to global audiences.
Pavan expressed his gratitude towards Netflix for allowing `U Turn` to be a part of their platform for nearly a decade, thanking them for providing exposure to millions of viewers worldwide. He also reflected on the significance of this moment, revealing how `U Turn` was the first Kannada film to take an innovative approach to film rights distribution. Unlike the traditional method of selling all rights to a single corporate entity, Pavan opted to distribute the film’s rights to multiple third-party distributors. This decision proved beneficial for the producers, as it resulted in larger profits, empowering them and setting a new precedent in the industry
Watch U Turn Tralier
Pavan credited platforms like Netflix for making producers more business-savvy and aware of their ability to maintain a stronger position when negotiating rights. This innovative distribution model helped `U Turn` stand out not just in terms of its story, but also in its business acumen.
The film, which starred Shraddha Srinath in her Kannada debut, became a landmark in female-led narratives in Indian cinema. Shraddha’s performance in this gripping thriller earned her widespread recognition for her strong portrayal of the central character, making the film both a commercial and critical success.
What sets `U Turn` apart even more is its widespread appeal across linguistic boundaries. The film has been remade in several languages including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Bengali, Filipino, and Sri Lankan Sinhala, showcasing its universal appeal. This success has made it one of the most remade films in Indian cinema history, a testament to the power of its narrative and execution.
As `U Turn` makes its exit from Netflix, it leaves behind a significant legacy in the Indian film industry. The film not only introduced a fresh approach to film rights but also proved that regional films can achieve remarkable success on global platforms. It remains a prime example of how regional cinema can transcend geographical barriers and make an impact on a global scale.
Why Are Kannada Movies Being Removed from OTT?
Kannada movies are being removed from Netflix primarily due to a combination of low viewership numbers and strategic content decisions. Compared to other South Indian languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, Kannada films tend to attract fewer viewers on the platform, which impacts Netflix’s interest in renewing their streaming rights. Additionally, Netflix has shifted its investment priorities, focusing more on global hits and pan-Indian content that appeals to a broader audience. As a result, Kannada films often lose out when licensing deals expire, leading to their gradual disappearance from the platform.
Also Read : https://www.radiocity.in/web-stories/top-5-under-rated-actors-in-kannada-1480
In short, Netflix`s removal of Kannada movies stems from strategic, licensing, and commercial challenges. This is part of a larger issue where major platforms are underrepresenting Kannada cinema, despite its storytelling quality and fan base. There`s a growing call among filmmakers and audiences for better support and visibility for Kannada content on national and global OTTs.
Would you like a list of Kannada movies still available on Netflix or other platforms as of now?
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