For years, Hollywood reached Indian audiences mainly through a limited linguistic lens, mostly Hindi, with occasional Tamil or Telugu, and rarely anything else. Now, a homegrown OTT platform hopes to change that. Talkies App has started streaming Hollywood films dubbed in Tulu and the Jawari dialect of North Karnataka. It becomes the first platform in the country to bring global blockbusters into these languages.
This change is not just about making films accessible; it’s about including different cultures. In coastal Karnataka and parts of North Karnataka, cinema has often used borrowed voices. With this new approach, familiar global heroes now speak in ways that feel closer to everyday life.
This initiative, developed with Sony Pictures Films, places Talkies App among a few Indian OTT platforms that officially localise Hollywood content. Talkies App's decision to invest in communities often left out of mainstream localisation efforts has been received warmly.
The lineup features well-known titles such as Spider-Man, Godzilla, Karate Kid, Anaconda, and Men in Black. These films are now adapted into conversational, culturally relevant language rather than neutral studio dubbing. According to the platform, the aim is not just translation, but making global stories feel more familiar and relatable.
This project also requires regional collaboration. Astra Productions and Citadel Developers are sponsoring the Tulu-language versions, while Mangalam Pipes is backing the Jawari dubs. Their involvement shows that this effort is not just digital; it also involves community support, combining local business participation with media growth.
Talkies App, launched by actor Dr Shivarajkumar, has positioned itself as a platform for Kannada and coastal creators. It offers a mix of films, web series, short formats, children’s content, comedy shows, and lifestyle programs like Talkies Kitchen. By including international cinema in regional languages, the platform evolves from being just a content host to a bridge between cultures.
At a time when OTT algorithms tend to prioritise scale over specificity, this move offers a refreshing alternative. Instead of asking regional audiences to adjust to global formats, the platform transforms global cinema to fit regional identities. It also subtly challenges the notion that only “major” languages can attract premium international content.