Planet Marathi OTT founder Akshay Bardapurkar has revealed his new venture, Planet Goem, which would stream Konkani language content.

Planet Goem will offer exclusive Konkani language (original and dubbed) content through films, web series, talk shows, plays, short format videos, music, news and much more.

This over-the-top platform will be made available on all Android, iOS and TV devices, the company said in a statement.

The entity, aimed at boosting Goa’s media, entertainment and culture economy, was launched by the Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.

The app’s brand ambassador, actress Sonalee Kulkarni, known for her stellar performances in various Hindi and Indian language films, was also present at the launch ceremony.

In line with the theme of promoting Goanese culture and media, a film institute will be established in the State with an affiliation with a recognized global university. Some of the courses on offer will be in animation, Web 3.0 technologies, gaming and blockchain to prepare students for the coming digital age.

This skill center will offer diploma, degree, and certificate courses and masterclasses by world-class faculty to increase the employability of the youth and individuals all over India. To take this ahead, it will be partnering with international companies like There Digital, Unreal Engine, and Kingdom Technologies and bringing them to Goa to set up studio services that will attract world-class talents and filmmakers to enter and shoot in Goa, the press release claimed.

Bardapurkar is a visionary credited with creating ‘the most watched web-series ‘Raanbaazaar’, which trended in over seven countries globally and explored diverse genres like satire, romance, thriller and crime, giving Marathi industry the edge it deserved.

His goal is now to transform Goa’s media and entertainment industry, giving it a new lease of life with a focus on talent, education, entertainment, and technology.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr. Sawant said, “Our State welcomes Planet Goem with open arms. The various offerings, including OTT, the film institute, and the skill center are a welcome boost to our economy, which will benefit from being diversified from its dependence on tourism.

“Our rich cultural heritage and language will now get an organized web platform aimed at increasing the recognition and popularity of our humble Konkani industry.”

Bardapurkar added: “Regional industries are an untapped gold mine of immense potential and power. Planet Marathi OTT has seen a great run in Goa and has earned eager audiences who have given Marathi content so much love.

“Goa’s entertainment sector remains unexplored and we wish to put the spotlight on the capabilities of this industry and its talent.