The Maharashtra government recently ordered Mumbai Multiplexes to reserve at least one screen for showing only marathi films between 6PM – 9PM. Although many were happy with the move, there were criticisms as well to the move.
Here’s what the leading celebrities from the film industry had to comment on this development. For obvious reasons, the bigger stars like SRK, Salman, Aamir & Mr Bachchan chose to stay mum on this issue.
As the controversy escalated, Shiv Sena filed a notice of breach of Privilege against Shobhaa De after she tweeted protesting the government’s decision. If served with the notice, De will have to explain her views before the Maharashtra assembly, and if the assembly continues to find her views objectionable, she could even face a jail term.
“Privilege motion against Shobhaa De is a joke. she has every right to criticize the government’s decision to block prime slot for Marathi films” – Nikhil Wagle | Activist & Media Person.
Most legal experts feel that forcible film screening violates fundamental rights. They feel that the move would certainly attract a judicial scrutiny if a theatre owner or a consumer chose to challenge the diktat. In a democracy, its better to encourage & discuss rather than exercise compulsion which could violate fundamental rights of citizens.
Here’s the film industry’s reaction to the move by the Maharashtra Government.
Those who supported the move…
Riteish Deshmukh, who made his Marathi language debut with the movie ‘Lai Bhari’ described the announcement as ‘welcome news.’ on Twitter.
Welcome News https://t.co/v6TEB5MEc6
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) April 7, 2015
Nothing wrong in CM @Dev_Fadnavis mandating multiplexes to show #MarathiCinema at prime-time, in one of their theatres.
— KABIR BEDI (@iKabirBedi) April 7, 2015
Director Sudhir Mishra said, “Why not? It isn’t like there aren’t any other films in the 6-9 slot. It also gives audiences more choice.” Mishra pointed out that the move will help Marathi cinema a great deal.
Onir tweeted “Appreciate the move by the govt of Maharashtra to support #Marathi Cinema . Regional cinema all over the country needs state support.” Marathi cinema in the recent years have had some beautiful films. They need to be given the screen space to make regional cinema flourish. Providing prime time screen space to #Marathi will help vitalize the industry and provide a healthy competition for good content cinema.
Vivek Agnihotri said “I don’t see what’s wrong if Marathi film industry gets impetus. Isn’t that everyone wants? Only if they can add Indies(non-starrer) with it.” Dear Outragers, its compulsory for Multiplexes who got incentives in the name of Marathi cinema. You don’t have to see it if you don’t want. Ok, you don’t want special push for Marathi Cinema. Next time don’t crib when multiplexes take out your film unceremoniously.
Those who criticised the move…
Mukesh Bhatt, filmmaker and president of The Film & TV Producers Guild, criticized the state’s move. “Marathi films get subsidy and are exempt from entertainment tax. We have no problem with that. My question is, how can you pass such a diktat without consulting all the stakeholders?” he asked.
Censor Board member Ashoke Pandit said, “Any kind of force is not good for democracy.” Ashoke Pandit chose to disagreed publicly. Here’s what he tweeted.
Why only 1 show of a Marathi film? Deserves much more respect & dignity. Theatre owners shud be involved 2 achieve this goal. #MarathiCinema
— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) April 7, 2015
Thank you @vinodtawde @Dev_Fadnavis for setting up a #Dramaschool in Filmcity Mumbai on the lines of NSD.
— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) April 8, 2015
Writer Shobhaa De was quite sarcastic with her remarks…the Maharashtra assembly wanted an apology from her. Here’s what she tweeted.
Devendra ‘Diktatwala’ Fadnavis is at it again!!!From beef to movies. This is not the Maharashtra we all love! Nako!Nako! Yeh sab roko!
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) April 7, 2015
No more pop corn at multiplexes in Mumbai? Dahi misal and vada pav only. To go better with the Marathi movies at prime time .
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) April 7, 2015
I love Marathi movies. Let me decide when and where to watch them, Devendra Fadnavis. This is nothing but Dadagiri.
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) April 7, 2015
Actor Rishi Kapoor initially expressed his unhappiness with the move, and tweeted, “You can’t thrust anything on anyone zabardasti.” but then changed his version. Here’s what he said later:
Ritesh Deshmukhs film in Marathi was a super hit. So were others. So welcome all. We are all equal here in cinema. May the best win!
— rishi kapoor (@chintskap) April 7, 2015
Congress politician Milind Deora, although he didn’t criticize the move, he chose to offer a different suggestion:
If @Dev_Fadnavis is serious about promoting Marathi cinema, he should announce a grant for filmmakers who develop & produce Marathi movies
— Milind Deora (@milinddeora) April 7, 2015
Most in the film fraternity are upset with the fact that the BJP-Sena government didn’t think it was necessary to discuss the move with them, before passing the orders.
What do you people think about the move? Please let us know in the comments below.
