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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Every theatre must screen a Bengali film daily at prime time: State government
The West Bengal government passed an order on Wednesday (August 13, 2025), mandating the screening of at least one Bengali-language film daily in prime time slots in every theatre and multiplex in the State. The Trinamool Congress, which is in power, has stepped up its Bhasha Andolan (language movement) as part of a push to prioritise the Bengali language and culture. This comes as Bengali-speaking migrants have been facing physical attacks and arrest across the country. 'In every cinema hall and on all screens (each screen) of every multiplex and theatre in this State, 365 prime-time shows of Bengali films shall mandatorily be screened throughout the year with at least one Bengali show per day,' the order by the State Government's Information and Cultural Affairs Department reads. 'Earlier, only 120 Bengali film screenings were mandatory per year. Under the new rules, Bengali films must be screened 365 days a year on every screen during prime time slots,' West Bengal Minister Aroop Biswas said on Wednesday (August 13, 2025), referring to the August 13 notification. Prime time shows refer to screenings held between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., the order dated August 13 clarifies. Rules to be amended According to the order, necessary amendments would also be made to the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation of Public Exhibitions) Rules, 1956, in due course. The legislation pertains to the public screening of motion pictures in the State. The order further states that this move aims to encourage the Bengali film industry, and that the issue of mandatory screenings of Bengali films by cinema halls and multiplexes of this State had been under active consideration by the State Government. Industry welcomes the order President of the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India, Swarup Biswas, called the notification 'historic' on Wednesday. 'This is a historic move by the government as it has now expanded the perimeters of the public exhibition of Bengali language films. This will ensure there are at least 365 screenings of Bengali films across all theatres and multiplexes in the State, in a fitting response to those who criticised the declining number of Bengali film productions year on year,' Mr. Biswas said. For context, the number of Bengali language films released in 2024 had drastically reduced to under 40, from around 134 films in 2023. 'I wholeheartedly welcome the order, but we need to wait and see how it unfolds. Mandating prime time screenings will help boost sales outside the supply-demand model of distribution networks and offer some protection to those making films in the Bengali language,' critically acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Goutam Ghose told The Hindu. He added that with the inception of multiplexes and the growing popularity of Bollywood films, the distribution of and revenue from Bengali language films had taken a hit. 'The film exhibition business in the State often preferred Bollywood films for prime time slots, considering their demand. The challenge for us was growing and sustaining a dedicated regional audience for Bengali films, like we see in the southern States. This order will hopefully help us do that. It will also challenge us to make films with better content and technology,' he added. Long awaited Mr. Ghose further said that talks had been ongoing for the last two decades to introduce a mandate like this. 'It is indeed an encouraging order. Talks and discussions have ultimately had some effect. I congratulate all who were involved in getting this order passed and the State government for the positive step it has taken in exhibiting Bangla, or Bengali language films,' renowned Bengali filmmaker Sudeshna Roy said. Meanwhile, director and film producer Soumyajit Majumder said that the order is a welcome change but also a late intervention. 'Most States already have a regional film policy. Marathi films, for example, have had this backing from the Maharashtra government regarding prime time slots. As a producer, I think well-made Bengali films will get a fairer chance to survive the box office and get noticed by more people,' he said. Mr Majumder also highlighted that this step might also benefit independent Bengali language movies that lack big marketing budgets. 'These films can rely more on word-of-mouth publicity and will not be ousted immediately, citing non-performance. For the Bengali language and culture to survive in this globalised world, Bengali cinema will play an integral role. It shouldn't be only about business,' he added.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
30% pay hike for Tollywood technicians
Kolkata: After three years, producers of Bengali serials have agreed to give Tollywood technicians a substantial pay hike. The agreement between producers and the Federation of Cine Technicians & Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI) has provided considerable relief to Tollywood's foot soldiers. However, several other key areas require attention in order to enhance the work culture in the industry, not just for serials but for films as well. Swarup Biswas, president of FCTWEI, told the media on Monday that at least seven producers of serials from Bengal are currently working in Mumbai. Efforts are ongoing to bring their shooting locations back to Bengal. Discussions are underway with channel heads to increase the number of slots for serials in the afternoon. Additionally, there are attempts to attract more Bollywood and international film shoots to Bengal. According to many Kolkata-based technicians working across various formats, increasing work within the Tollywood industry is vital for its sustainability. They also highlighted the importance of addressing other neglected issues. There is a strong sentiment that Tollywood must develop a culture of giving due credits. Screenplay writers and lyricists continue to be disappointed by the omission of their names. Editors of documentaries face resistance when raising the matter of co-writers' credit. "While editing documentaries, I have to go through hours and hours of footage and select every single shot to give it a structure. There is no script and quite often the director remains absent from the editing process. So practically I have to write a script at the editing table to create the desired emotional or intellectual impact. Barring a few, many directors are reluctant to give me the 'writer' credit," said editor Sankhajit Biswas. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Kolkata-based author and screenwriter Samragnee Bandyopadhyay, recognised for writing shows such as 'Lojja', 'Noshtoneer', 'Uttoron', and the screenplay of 'Grihapravesh', told TOI that the issue of missing names and stolen credits needs urgent action for overall improvement. Divyi Nidhi Sharma, the writer of 'Sitare Zameen Par', recently wrote an appreciation post thanking the film's director and Aamir Khan for including and highlighting her name. Bandyopadhyay commented, "I agree with Divyi when he says: 'We are the first ones to imagine everything that plays on screen. We are the original dreamers. But even while dreaming we know a nightmare is on its way'. I hope a day will come when no screenwriters need to write appreciative posts for what is their due." In a separate incident, Bandyopadhyay wrote the lyrics for a serial's song and discovered her name had been omitted from the credits. "When I asked the composer, he casually said it was a case of forgetfulness. If we want an industry to improve, we need stakeholders to eliminate this amnesia. Pay hikes are important, but so is proper acknowledgement. Directors, channel officials and producers have to respect our work and insist on giving our names," she said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
