Varudu Kaavalenu, Lakshya are a smash hit on OTT, set new records in terms of streaming minutes

Analytics and metrics pertaining to the OTT industry may go above our heads at times, but they ensure transparency when it comes to judging the reception for a movie and a show. Naga Shaurya's two recent releases, Varudu Kaavalenu, where he was paired opposite Ritu Varma, and Lakshya, a sports drama alongside Ketika Sharma, interestingly made it to the OTT platforms ZEE5 and aha on the same day. While Varudu Kaavalenu had a decent run at the box office, Lakshya failed to set the cash registers ringing at the theatres.

Both films have surprisingly turned out to be a big success with OTT audiences, registering record numbers in terms of viewing minutes. In its first weekend after the OTT release, Varudu Kaavalenu totalled over 5 crore viewing minutes just under three days on ZEE5, the first-ever occasion that a film has moved past the landmark in such limited time. The film's pleasant theme revolving around the ego clashes between two college sweethearts, good music by Vishal Chandrasekhar, commendable performances, well-written dialogues have reasonated with audiences after its digital release.

Even more surprising is the response for the archery-centric sports drama Lakshya, which was a no-show at the theatres but registered big numbers on aha post its OTT premiere. Nearly 10 crore streaming minutes in four days is no mean feat and like Naga Shaurya said on his social media handles, it's nothing short of a 'blockbuster response'. The story charts the journey of an archer who loses his parents to a terrible accident in childhood and is raised by his grandfather. The premise deals with how he gets past the many setbacks in his personal, professional lives and emerges triumphant.

While Lakshya was directed by Santhosh Jagarlapudi and hit theatres on December 10, Varudu Kaavalenu was helmed by debutante Lakshmi Sowjanya and made it to the big screen on October 29.