Uttaranchali cinema records major upswing

rajugusain

Uttaranchali cinema records major upswing

Raju Gusain
Dehra Dun

It is boom time for Uttaranchali Cinema! This year, a total of six movies have been released, so far, setting up a record. Earlier, the average was less than one film per year.
The sixth Uttaranchali film of 2004, 'Meri Ganga Holi To Maima Auli' hit the silver screen here on 22 October. Earlier, 'Kabhi To Aula Din', 'Jitu Bagadwal', 'Chal Khaki Door Jaula', 'Ausi Ki Raat' (All Garhwali) and 'Cheli' (Kumaoni) were released, making 2004 the most memorable year for regional cinema in the hill state.
The history of regional cinema in Uttaranchal can be traced back to 1981 when Garhwali film 'Jagwal' was released. Till date, 22 films in Garhwali and three in Kumaoni have been produced. Among all Garhwali movies 'Gharjawai" remains the biggest hit ever. This musical ran for 29 weeks at New Delhi's Sangam Cinema Hall to establish a milestone.
The trend of film making in the regional languages has picked up after the formation of Uttaranchal. Local filmmaker Mukesh Dhasmana says, "With the availability of digital cameras, the technology has become economical leading to the present boom. It is a good sign but, like the Maharashtra government, the Uttaranchal Government should also provide subsidies to encourage production of regional films."
Mukesh, himself, is ready with 'Meri Pyari Boi'. This Garhwali film is likely to be released by the year-end. Films shot with digital cameras are converted to the 35/70 MM format ensuring a low budget.
There are not many cinema halls in Uttaranchal. Many theaters are a facing hard time and are on the verge of closure. Besides cable television, the VCD's rising popularity has posed a threat to cinema halls.
Pointing this out, the Director of the trendsetting 'Teri Saun', Anuj Joshi says, "Some years back there were close to a hundred cinema halls in Uttaranchal but now the number has been reduced to 65. With such a small number of halls, filmmaking has become an unprofitable venture here. The state government should, at least, provide cent percent entertainment tax exemption to cinema halls in Uttaranchal." He asserts that such an exemption exists in neighboring Himachal Pradesh.
It will be recalled that last year, the Garhwali/Kumaoni film on the Uttarakhand movement, 'Teri Saun', was the most talked about in the hill state.
The ongoing year has proved a boon for Uttaranchal Cinema and it remains to be seen whether the State Government recognises the trend and does its bit to promote regional films and related employment opportunities in the state.

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