Has the Bengal government mandated daily prime-time screenings of Bengali films in cinemas?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The West Bengal government has made a bold move by mandating that all cinemas screen Bengali films during prime time daily. This decision aims to support the local film industry and protect the cultural identity of the Bengali language. The mandate is a significant step towards preserving the rich heritage of Bengal in cinema.
Key Takeaways
- Daily screenings of Bengali films are now mandatory in West Bengal.
- At least one show per day must be dedicated to Bengali cinema.
- The prime time for screenings is set between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- This decision is a significant step towards supporting local culture.
- It follows the Chief Minister's commitment to protect the Bengali language.
Kolkata, Aug 13 (NationPress) The West Bengal government, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, announced a new regulation on Wednesday, requiring that all cinemas and multiplexes showcase Bengali films during prime time every day of the year.
This directive is effective immediately and will continue until further notice.
The notification specifies, "Every cinema hall, along with all screens in every multiplex across the state, must feature 365 prime-time screenings of Bengali films annually, with at least one Bengali show each day throughout the year. Prime time is defined as the period from 3 to 9 p.m.," as stated by the West Bengal government.
Furthermore, the notification indicated that the state government has been contemplating the inclusion of Bengali film screenings in cinemas and multiplexes for quite some time.
"In place of the previous notification dated September 14, 2018, aimed at bolstering the Bengali Film Industry, the state government has actively discussed the necessity of compulsory screenings of Bengali films in cinema halls and multiplexes," the order explained.
"After thorough evaluation of all relevant factors and exercising powers granted by Sub-section (3) of Section 5 of the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1954, the Governor has issued the following directive to all licensees in the state," it continued.
The West Bengal government further noted, "Amendments to the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation of Public Exhibitions) Rules, 1956, will be forthcoming. This directive is effective immediately and will remain valid until further notice."
This recent decision by the West Bengal government aligns with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's commitment to advocate for the rights of the people of Bengal and the Bengali language.
On multiple occasions, Chief Minister Banerjee has criticized the BJP-led central government for the persecution of Bengali migrant workers across the nation, particularly in BJP-controlled states.
Members of the civil society and certain intellectuals from West Bengal have expressed their support for Chief Minister Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress in their ongoing protests against the attacks on the "Bengali" language and the alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in BJP-ruled states, while also voicing their dissatisfaction over a letter from the Delhi Police that referred to "Bengali" as a "Bangladeshi language."
Point of View
The West Bengal government's new mandate on Bengali film screenings reflects a growing recognition of regional cinema's importance in preserving cultural identity. As the nation continues to evolve, supporting local industries becomes essential for fostering diversity and enriching the overall cultural landscape.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new mandate regarding Bengali films?
The West Bengal government has mandated daily prime-time screenings of Bengali films in all cinemas and multiplexes throughout the year.
When will this mandate take effect?
The mandate is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice.
How many screenings of Bengali films are required?
Every cinema and multiplex must hold at least one Bengali film screening per day, totaling 365 screenings per year.
What are the prime time hours defined by the government?
Prime time is defined as the period between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Why is this mandate significant?
This mandate aims to support the local Bengali film industry and preserve the cultural significance of the Bengali language.
