NRI techies tap into their inner Kollywood fandom

This is the dilemma thousands of NRIs in different parts of the globe face separated from their hometowns, even more so when they are ardent fans of Kollywood cinema. 

Though a few of the bigger stars see their flicks released simultaneously worldwide, most Tamil students or young professionals overseas must contend with watching their favourite movies weeks after its release back home. So, they decided to take matters into their own hands. 

Nowadays, a rising part-time business options for many Tamilians abroad is getting into movie distribution, motivated by their own fandom and an increasing desire to promote Kollywood films overseas. 

For example, K Karthick, from Chennai, who works in Guadalajara, Mexico started his banner Kushi Films, after being tired of missing out on his favourite actor Vijay’s film every single time. “Being a die-hard Ilayathalapathy fan, I was really upset that there was no Tamil film market in Mexico. 

Therefore, when Mersal released, I contacted the Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam in-charge, and proposed my idea. In a few days, I was introduced to the production house here, established a contract with them and we successfully managed to release the film,” Karthick said.

Within months, finding like-minded friends there who understood his cause, Karthick started ‘Legions of Mexico’ that would bring all south Indian films to Mexico. 

“But then, several north Indians here approached us and asked us to help with Bollywood films as well. So recently, we released Race 3 as well. But the truth is that it’s very hard to make a profit with this, as it’s a virgin market here with no huge Indian crowds. We are doing this to promote our films internationally, and it’s like a get-together for all the Tamilians here.” 

However, establishing a network and picking a city that has a dense Indian population is key towards success in this industry, he adds. In the USA, several tech graduates and college students are also pursuing the option. 

Raghul from Boston has joined with some of his friends to begin a start-up that will soon focus on releasing content-driven Tamil cinema in the States. 

“While a Kaala or Their might have a FDFS release here, we never get to watch films like Joker, Aruvi, etc until they come on streaming platforms. We have all grown up enjoying Tamil cinema and this is an opportunity for us to widen its reach, and delight more NRI fans in the process.”