Mumbai, Aug 5
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday directed the administration to form a committee at the government level to find a permanent solution relating to providing additional shows to Marathi films in multiplexes.
The committee should submit a report to the government within one and a half months, and the role of the state government should be to ensure that Marathi cinema survives.
Shinde chaired the meeting with producers, distributors of Marathi films, and cine employee organisations of various parties regarding many issues such as the low number of screens available to Marathi films in multiplexes, the removal of films from theatres within three days without informing them, the collection of a week's fee and the non-return of the remaining amount, the request to give censor approval to Marathi films despite repeated requests to the Censor Board, and the timely change or cancellation of the showtimes of Marathi films. He heard the views of producers, distributors, multiplex owners, and other officials.
Shinde said that it is the government's policy to promote Marathi cinema, and only if Marathi filmmakers survive will Marathi cinema have good days. He added that it has been decided to form a committee to take permanent measures on this issue.
“The chairman of this committee will be the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, and it will comprise the Principal Secretary Appeal and Security, Principal Secretary Urban Development 2, Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department, Secretary of Transport, producers of Marathi films, distributors, multiplex owners, Film City officials, and the representatives of the Film Corporation, representatives of the Producers Corporation,†he said.
He said that the committee's report will be submitted to the government within the next one and a half months, after which the government will take a final decision in this regard.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but will it work? Multiplexes care about profits, not regional sentiments. Unless there's financial incentive or strict rules, they'll keep prioritizing commercial Hindi films. Government should consider tax benefits for theaters showing Marathi movies.
As a Marathi film lover, I'm happy but worried about quality. Some recent Marathi films have been excellent, but many are subpar. The industry should focus on better scripts and production values too. Can't force people to watch mediocre content.
Interesting move! In Canada, we have similar protections for French cinema. But the key is balance - regional identity is important, but shouldn't come at the cost of audience choice. Hope they find a middle path.
Why only Marathi? What about other regional cinemas in Maharashtra like Konkani or Bhojpuri? The government should support all local language films equally. This seems like selective politics before elections.
Great step! Marathi cinema has given us gems like Sairat and Natsamrat. But theaters removing films within 3 days is criminal 😡 Hope this committee ensures at least 1-week mandatory screening for all Marathi releases.
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