The journey from an audio and video cassette rental to launching an OTT platform, Saina’s journey in entertainment

When OTT Platform Saina Play goes live, it will be another feather in founder PM Bava’s cap

The closest PM Bava, a machinist from Kalady near Kochi, came to films was when he opened a video rental and distribution business, Saina Audio Video Vision at Kodambakkam, Chennai. The year was 1985, when the city was the hub of the South Indian film industry. Malayalis of a generation got their dose of Malayalam cinema from video cassettes hired from video rentals, and Saina was prominent among companies that made, marketed and distributed these. The red and yellow logo — Saina — with the letter S figuring prominently — was a familiar one. Saina is one of the few video cassette companies that have survived the times. Cut to May 2021, when Saina Audio Video Vision launches its OTT platform Saina Play, which will stream the 700-odd Malayalam films besides new content. Saina has the rights to all the content it will stream. Some of the films that will be in their platform are Malayalam’s biggest blockbusters such as Manichitrathaazhu, Punjabi House, Vadakkumnathan, Chandrolsavam and Kurukshetra.