Shreyas Talpade launches OTT platform for theatre, performing arts

Actor-producer Shreyas Talpade is set to launch a video streaming service, Nine Rãsã, which will showcase plays and other performing arts on the digital platform.

The OTT platform, which launched today globally, will offer plays across Hindi, English, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil and Malayalam.

“Last year, during the lockdown we saw that everything was closed and films and events etc. started going online. That’s when the idea came to us that why don’t we take theatre online,” Talpade told ET. “The more we thought about it, we figured there is a much bigger need for theatre to reach out to people globally."

Talpade said he and his wife have invested Rs 4.5 crore of their own money in building the app, the team, and acquiring content.

“While there was some resistance earlier, after people saw what we were doing, we started getting their support. We started collecting content, shot plays exclusively for the service and created jobs for approximately 1,500 people,” said Talpade, who considers theatre as his first love.

Nine Rãsã will have two revenue models. The plays will be accessible to the premium subscribers for Rs 59 a month or Rs 599 a year. Global audiences will have to pay $2.99 a month or $29.99 for an annual package.

The app will give access to stand up gigs, singing and other performing arts, which will be available to all under an ad-supported model.

Nine Rãsã will add new content every few days and around 3-4 new plays every month.

“The idea is to make sure that theatre reaches every household. I want everyone to experience the magic of theatre,” Talpade said.