There is nothing rosy about Chhattisgarhi film industry as 99 percent producers are making movies on loss. They are not even able to raise the publicity cost of their movies.
Against such a backdrop how long can this industry survive on its own, noted Chhollywood film director Satish Jain ponders.
Jain spoke with ‘The Pioneer’ over an array of issues plaguing the industry despite being busy with the post-production of his upcoming movie ‘Hans Jhan Pagli Fans Jabe’, scheduled to hit the screens on June 14.
Jain had directed the movie ‘Mor Chhaiya Bhuiyan’, which was Chhollywood’s first blockbuster released in 2000.
Since then Jain had produced, directed dozens of movies. A few of his movies like ‘Maya’ and ‘Tura Riskhawala’ made good money even as the Chhollywood was considered a sinking ship.
According to Jain state government’s support is the key for the survival of Chhollywood.
“Our state is small, and Chhattisgarhi is not spoken in the northern region like Surguja or in southern part like Bastar. Ironically, Chhattisgarhi is spoken in rural regions, but majority of the movie theaters are based in urban regions. Urban audience considers it a bit down-market to watch a Chhattisgarhi cinema.”
According to Jain, currently there are around 40 theaters in Chhattisgarh out of which around 25 screens are only available for Chhattisgarhi movies.
Sharing his agony over the alleged discrimination by multiplexes against Chhattisgarhi cinema, he questioned: “Are the multiplex East India Company? They (East India Company) used to write before their theaters ‘Dogs and Indian are not allowed’. The Chhattisgarhi movies are getting almost similar treatment in multiplexes.”
“Today Chhattisgarhi cinema is the only active medium that is promoting our culture. We portray local dance forms like Sua, Karma, Dadariya and others in our movies. We shoot movies in scenic locations of the state. Most of the producers in our industry are making movie incurring losses. The government should step in and support us,” he advocates.
