Rasika Dugal-led independent film Fairy Folk is now directly available to viewers at ‘any price’ they ‘feel right’ on a dedicated website following rejection from OTT platforms despite positive reviews, the makers announced on Thursday.

In their Instagram post, the makers revealed that the challenges they faced in the distribution of the independent film prompted them to launch the website for the movie. “We managed a limited theatrical release in March 2024 to great reviews and positive word of mouth. Despite that, streaming platforms aren’t considering indie films like ours currently, so here we are, distributing our film directly to the public on our little website at any price YOU feel is right,” they wrote on Thursday, sharing a teaser of the film.

Rasika also shared a post about Fairy Folk – The Film website. In her caption, she emphasised the challenges that independent filmmakers often encounter post-production and the need to remain optimistic in the face of those obstacles.

“When we did improv shows, we played a game in which we had to improvise a scene or line based on an emotion called out by someone in the audience. Every once in a while, someone would yell 'unbridled optimism'. Well, it turns out that’s the only way you can make an indie film. We improvised this film, produced it on our own, saw it through a limited theatrical release (not too many screens but tonnes of love), and now we are distributing it on our own too,” wrote the Mirzapur actress alongside a set of stills from the movie.

“In true indie style, we accept whatever you have to give. Kind words and love, and constructive feedback will also do,” Rasika concluded.

This marks the first-of-its-kind release in India, pioneering a new model of film distribution. “This approach not only democratises access but also supports the spirit of independent filmmaking,” said director Karan Gour.

“Working on an improvised film like Fairy Folk has been one of my most fulfilling experiences as a performer. I feel proud that, with this film, we have tried something new every step of the way - from experimenting with an entirely improvised film to producing it ourselves, to securing a theatrical release for an indie film; and now, finding our own way to distribute it. This has been a truly independent experience. I'm thrilled that we can now present our labour of love directly to audiences, allowing them to support us in a way that feels right to them," added Rasika.

According to the official synopsis on IMDb, Fairy Folk follows the life of a jaded couple after a genderless woodland being crashes into their world. Written and directed by Karan Gour, the film also stars Mukul Chadda, Chandrachoor Rai and Jankee Parekh.

The Fairy Folk website outlines the events that preceded the makers’ innovative approach. The film had to be pulled from theatres just as word of mouth began gaining momentum. Additionally, digital platforms refused to consider an independent film like Fairy Folk.

The website requires viewers to fill in a few details and generate a password that will remain valid for 48 hours. According to a note on Fairy Folk – The Film, viewers may also refrain from contributing before they have watched the film.