In a bid to promote regional cinema, the West Bengal government has introduced a new regulation requiring all cinema halls and multiplexes across the state to screen at least one Bengali film during prime time every day. The directive, announced just before Independence Day, seeks to provide greater visibility and access to Bengali films, particularly in the face of stiff competition from Bollywood and South Indian releases.
The regulation was confirmed by State Minister Aroop Biswas, following a meeting at Nandan with producers, directors, and theatre owners. As per the new directive, every screen in every cinema must allocate one Bengali film screening daily between 3 PM and 9 PM, which has now been designated as the prime time slot.
This decision comes after increasing concerns within the Bengali film industry about the limited access to prime-time slots, which are often dominated by Hindi and South Indian films. The controversy surrounding the Bengali film Dhumketu, which allegedly lost valuable screen space to War 2, has further intensified the demand for such protective measures to ensure local films are given fair opportunities.
Under the new rule, the mandate guarantees 365 prime-time screenings of Bengali films per screen annually. This move has been welcomed by several key industry figures, including actor Rituparna Sengupta and MP-actor Dev, who have praised the decision as a vital step in preserving the Bengali language and culture through cinema.
Industry experts believe that this mandate will not only increase the visibility of Bengali films but also strengthen regional identity, providing much-needed support to local filmmakers. The decision is seen as a step forward in ensuring the survival and growth of regional cinema in an increasingly competitive market dominated by larger film industries.
The move also serves as an effort to balance the film industry landscape, ensuring that local narratives and cultural representations are not overshadowed by more dominant film industries. As the initiative takes effect, it is expected to lead to a boost in the production, screening, and appreciation of Bengali films in West Bengal.
