Homegrown OTT platform Vindaloo looks to take Konkani content beyond the stage and cinema halls
RAMANDEEP KAUR NT BUZZ
A local start-up is attempting to change how Goan stories are told and preserved. Vindaloo, a Konkani OTT platform launched on ‘Goa Asmitai Dis’, has recorded over 16,000 downloads in just two months. It provides a digital home for films, tiatrs and nataks.
The project was started by Nikhil Desai and Siddhant Shetty after 18 months of market research and networking. Though neither comes from a film background, they saw the absence of a dedicated space for Konkani content. “The idea for Vindaloo came from a simple thought: Goa is more than just sun, sand and wine,” says Desai, adding that much of the state’s theatre and music is no longer accessible after its initial run.
Currently, the platform is available in 150 countries. According to internal data, 65% of its users are based in India, while 35% are overseas. All content is subtitled for non-Konkani speakers.
Financially, the start-up utilises a pay-per-view system for major releases, functioning as a digital movie ticket with a seven-day viewing window. Shetty says, “This model creates a sustainable ecosystem by sharing revenue directly with filmmakers, while also offering free distribution space for emerging artistes to gain visibility and eventual monetisation.”
The platform’s library includes a range of genres, from traditional nataks to newer formats such as the Goan Vhani Show, a stand-up comedy programme rooted in local culture. The selection process prioritises stories tied to Konkani identity.
Looking ahead, the start-up plans to expand into original production, with a focus on folklore-based horror, youth content and web series, along with a long-term goal of producing feature films for a pan-India audience. “We want filmmakers to experiment while staying rooted in Goan culture,” says Desai.
The founders are also working to archive and restore older Konkani films and performances that are no longer in circulation.
A web version is in development, with Smart TV apps expected in the third quarter of this year. The team is inviting user feedback to further refine the platform.
