A decade ago, filmmaker Pradeep, also known as RJ Pradeepa, was at the forefront of exploring digital content creation. Now, he is embarking on a new venture to connect with Kannada cinema audiences through his debut feature film, "Marayade Prashne," featuring multiple stars. Initially focusing on establishing Kannada's presence in the web series realm, Pradeep has transitioned to preparing for the theatrical release of his first movie. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, "When I started developing web series in 2015, I didn't consider a solid business strategy. I observed that other South Indian film industries were delving into digital content as a fresh way to engage viewers, a space that we hadn't ventured into yet. After successfully launching the Kannada web series 'Loose Connection' on YouTube, we went on to create and sell four other series to various OTT platforms. Looking back, I realize the importance of establishing a proper business model—for instance, having OTT platforms commission web series projects within a set budget for us to execute."

Acknowledging the evolving landscape of Kannada cinema, Pradeep notes the rising trend of unconventional films, emergence of new directors, actors like Rakshit Shetty and Dhananjaya venturing into production, and the support from new production houses dedicated to producing quality content. He emphasizes the need for collaboration within the industry to boost such innovative projects. With "Marayade Prashne," Pradeep's team is initiating a new chapter, aiming to release two films and a web series annually going forward.OTT platforms are facing a challenge in the Kannada market, as the films they have acquired have not led to significant subscriber growth in this region. To attract more viewers, it is essential for the audience to understand the value of paying for quality content. Filmmakers can learn from the success of the Malayalam film industry, which focuses on producing clean, realistic stories that resonate with audiences. By investing more in web series and digital content, production houses could have established a stronger market presence by now. Collaboration within the Kannada film industry is needed to collectively work on creating engaging narratives that appeal to a wider audience and attract the attention of OTT platforms.