Last week three Bengali films, ‘Kaberi Antardhan’, ‘Dilkhush’ and ‘Doctor Bakshi’ finally witnessed their much-awaited theatrical releases. However, despite the positive response from the audience, the number of shows of these films will be drastically curtailed to give maximum space to ‘Pathan’. Dev’s ‘Prajapati’ which is running successfully even after 50 days of its release, will also meet the same fate.
Tollywood stakeholders who have been voicing for Bengali films are irked to see how the distributors of ‘Pathan’ have put a clause for single screen. The distribution house has made it clear that single screens will have to give all the shows of Shahrukh’s film for the screening of ‘Pathan’ and this has angered Bengali filmmakers.
Kaushik Ganguly, whose film ‘Kaberi Antardhan’ released on January 20, shared with ETimes that this distribution model for big releases in Hindi will only hinder the betterment of Bengali cinema. “I can understand the pressure these single screen owners are under. He paid full salaries to the staff for the last two years during the pandemic even though there is no film business. I don’t have any complaint against them. If I were in his place, I would probably have done the same. But I think we need a proper policy for the film business model in West Bengal. I know Kaberi Antardhan will suffer like other Bengali films. Single screen people have been told that if they want ‘Pathan’ then they cannot run any other film. Bengali industry has been patient for years in this particular issue but now we have to take a stand. If a Bengali film which was doing good business in 40-50 halls suddenly faces this harsh treatment in its own state, then we have to accept that something is wrong,” explained Kaushik, whose latest release is Prosenjit. Chatterjee in the lead role, has received positive response. the audience.
When asked about a possible solution to the issue, the National Award-winning director insisted, “We have to unite and stop this distribution model. If need be, the government had to intervene. At least 50 per cent shows should be given to Bengali films on prime time.
Meanwhile, the distribution house of ‘Pathan’ has claimed that this model for big Hindi releases is nothing new and has been going on for years. On the other hand, the exhibitors in Bengal claim that it is a strategic business decision and has nothing to do with hurting the interest of Bengali cinema.
However, there are exceptions like Navina, Sir Theater and Ashok who have decided to continue with ‘Prajapati’ and ‘Dilkhush’ instead of playing only ‘Pathan’. Prabir Roy, owner of Ashoka Cinema Hall, says, “These Bengali films have given us houseful shows till Sunday. So why should I remove a Bengali film which is running successfully? I didn’t like it and hence decided not to do it.” did.” Accept the conditions put forward by the ‘Pathan’ distributors. Yes, I decided to play Shah Rukh Khan’s film, but he will not negotiate for the show along with other Bengali films. So, I refused them.”