'Films sponsored by govt can make a difference'

Noted activist and film-maker Meghnath, who has to his credit two National Film Awards and briefly chaired the Jharkhand Film Development Corporation, tells TOI why Jharkhand has not been able to make a mark in the world of cinema. Unwilling to blame it on the lawmakers alone, he finds the ecosystem missing.

Q. Why has the Jharkhand film industry failed to make a mark like neighbouring Bengal or even the Bhojpuri film industry?

A. Film-making in Jharkhand has never been an industry. It is wrong to compare Jharkhand with neighbouring Bengal, which has been the epicentre of creative art for nearly a century. We are aware that film-making started in Bengal during the time of silent movies, and cinema culture evolved almost parallel to Bombay, which we today identify as Bollywood. Bhojpuri films also have a market of their own, but if we are talking about regional language films of Jharkhand, we should ideally compare it with Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. However, it is a pity that even in that comparison, Jharkhand may come last in the list.

Q. Despite being rich in culture and natural beauty, why has Jharkhand remained behind then?

A. There was a lack of vision and support. I would say that for a visual art like cinema, one or two things cannot propel it. We need an ecosystem where creative minds have the freedom and means to experiment. Even if there is a vision, there is no taker. If there is a visionary, there is a lack of financial support. Our local lads have done well in Bollywood, and I don't see any dearth of creative potential here.

Q. Jharkhand has a film policy in place that promises incentives. Why did it not help give a push that the ‘industry' needed?

A. The govt came up with a policy, but it did not work well. Without going deeper into the aspects, I would say that instead of giving Rs 2 crore as a subsidy to potential film-makers, they could have sponsored 10 short films for Rs 20 lakh each. That way, within five years, we could have got 50 short films, and such an initiative would have helped us identify the areas where work is needed to develop the ecosystem. Big banners can arrange for their logistics from anywhere in the world, but if we want to develop film as an industry, we must develop the ecosystem first.

Q. Can govt funding of cinema be a solution?

A. To a certain extent, films sponsored by the govt can make a difference. Almost 50 years ago, the National Film Development Corporation was set up with this objective, and there have been some very good films like Mirch Masala, Train to Pakistan, and Gandhi, among others. Establishing a film school similar to FTII and SRFTI, developing a film city in Patratu with complete facilities, creating a post-production centre with editing and sound facilities, and developing comprehensive budgets for all initiatives were some of the suggestions I extended as a chairperson of the Jharkhand Film Development Corporation in 2018.

Q. Do you have suggestions to be incorporated in the new film policy of the state?

A. It is important to promote healthy cinema for a healthy society. A few short-term initiatives could include ensuring prime-time screening of regional films, establishing cultural centres with multiple screening halls, organising regular film screenings, workshops, and regional film festivals, creating a digital directory of local talent, developing a transparent website for the film council, and forming cine societies in educational institutions. Besides, there should be courses on film appreciation, documentaries and short films should be supported, and rewards should be given to National Film Award winners.