Indie film charts unconventional path from street performances to global OTT release

An independent Hindi film is set to premiere on a leading OTT platform on April 24, marking the culmination of an unusual journey that has drawn attention for its alternative approach to promotion and distribution.


Directed by Tanmaya Shekhar and starring newcomers Molshri and Shivang, the project built its audience without relying on traditional marketing or star power—opting instead for a mix of digital content and direct audience engagement.

After struggling to secure conventional backing, the makers initially turned to a vertical micro-drama series to create early buzz. When online traction remained limited, the team took their campaign offline, aligning it closely with the film’s thematic focus on street theatre.

A six-member team travelled across 13 cities over 40 days, performing in public spaces and interacting with audiences to promote the film’s theatrical release. The initiative echoed the immediacy of street performance, transforming promotion into a live, interactive experience.

Released in cinemas on February 27, the film, Nukkad Naatak, went on to complete a three-week run, registering multiple housefull shows and benefiting from strong word-of-mouth—an uncommon outcome for a project without mainstream backing.



Centred on a socially relevant narrative, Nukkad Naatak follows two college students who, after being expelled, must enrol children from an underprivileged community into school, using street theatre as a narrative device to explore themes of access and responsibility.

Its upcoming OTT release will expand its reach to audiences across more than 190 countries, marking a significant step for the independent project. Industry watchers say the film’s trajectory reflects a broader shift in how smaller productions are finding visibility—through unconventional strategies and direct engagement rather than traditional studio-driven campaigns.

As it transitions to the digital space, the film highlights the evolving landscape of independent cinema in India, where innovation in outreach is becoming as critical as storytelling itself.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”