Netflix Called Out For Bias Against Kannada?

One of the main reasons why OTT platforms are gaining popularity is their extensive language dubbing options. Films and shows are available in multiple languages, especially across various Indian regional languages.

India is a country with many languages making it a challenging task to dub content in all of them. It requires both time and effort.

While many South Indian languages have strong representation on streaming platforms, Kannada speakers have noticed a lack of Kannada films and shows.

Recently, a viewer took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight this issue, sharing a screenshot of Netflix’s language selection. The image showed multiple Indian languages but no option for Kannada.

Despite Kannada being spoken by around 3% of India’s population, why do OTT platforms lack Kannada content?

The answer is not simple.

Firstly, the growth of the Kannada film industry has been slow. While there has been significant progress in the last three years, it still lags behind other regional industries.

Secondly, according to experts, Kannada-speaking audiences tend to prefer watching content in international languages.

Bengaluru has one of the highest numbers of OTT subscribers in the country. However, these viewers largely consume international and national content rather than Kannada-language films or shows.

Another reason could be the Kannada film industry’s traditionally reserved attitude toward digital releases.

Ultimately, the lack of substantial audience demand is a key reason why OTT platforms have not invested heavily in dubbing content in Kannada.