#SHOWBIZ: Aziz M. Osman: 'Many prefer watching at home, skipping cinemas altogether'

Veteran Malaysian filmmaker Aziz M. Osman, 64, has indicated he may be retiring from traditional cinema releases. In a recent report, Osman revealed that moviegoers now prefer watching his films on streaming platforms rather than going to theaters. Many individuals would rather enjoy movies from the comfort of their own homes, which poses a significant challenge for Osman.

Osman expressed his concern about the financial risks associated with cinema releases. He explained that modern films are increasingly expensive to produce, with budgets now often exceeding RM2 million. To make a profit, Osman would need to earn at least RM4 million at the box office—a daunting target.

Instead of pursuing big-budget movies for cinemas, Osman intends to shift his focus towards writing scripts and mentoring emerging filmmakers. He is also willing to create content specifically for streaming platforms, recognizing that the audience is now predominantly found there. Osman noted that his latest film, 6 Jilake, has been performing well on Netflix despite receiving limited theatrical exposure. He expressed satisfaction with the film's performance on the streaming service.