Bengali cinema should break the brooder

Cultural exchange always influences the relationship to a greater extent. Recently in kolkata there was a discussion regarding Bengali cinema in Bangladesh and India.  Bengali film-maker Goutam Gosh , Bangladesh information minister Hasanul Haq Inu, Bengal’s Industry minister Partho Chatterjee, film-maker Mahesh Bhatt, Film-maker Rituporno Gosh , actress Rituporna Sengupta, Actor Prsenjit Chatterjee ware  present at FICCI ,s Media and Entertainment Business Conclave. The motion was that, how both the film industry can exploit the opportunities over the boundary.

There are some problems as well as opportunities for both India and Bangladesh film industry. Also it can blossom the Indo-Bangla relation. Indian film fraternity especially Bengali film makers have complained that Bangladesh’s theatre owners never welcome them. Bangladesh’s film producers  feared about business loss. They think that cinema of Bengal will slow down the market of Bangladeshi cinema. Also Bangladeshi TV channels have an argument about the unofficial embargo in India.

In reality audience of both sides are not getting the change to enjoy the movie. Not only that, this kind of restrictions also hampering India- Bangladesh relation.  Now we need to work out for the viable solution. First India government should free flow the Bangladeshi television channels. It will be a very effective for Indo- Bangla relation. Bangladesh government need to take serious attempt to show Indian movies in Bangladesh. It will create a business value. Both the countries can earn revenue from the initiative.

Bangladesh film industry and government should maintain the theatres well and build more international standard theatres all over the country. There is a practical shortage of good theatres in Bangladesh. Indian film industry also can invest in Bangladesh theatres if they get the openings of business.   Piracy problem also a major set back for film industry. Both the governments should look at the matter in serious manner.

Both the countries should organise India- Bangladesh film festivals in frequent intervals. It is a fact that if any one want to watch Bangladeshi movie in kolkata, it will very tough for him. Because one can get the CDs of Indo- Bangla joint production but sole production of Bangladeshi movies are not available in the market.

Teli- drama is another strong medium in Bangladesh. Popularly it is known as” ID er Natok”. If some festival or shows can be organised, only with Television Drama that will also bring a large audience. Along with that if the CDs of the “ID er Natok” can be relished in India that can also encourage a good business volume. Also producers’ of the Drama can get the telecast prospect in Indian television.

On that event Indian film director Mahesh Bhatt said that after 9/11 if Pakistan can allow   Indian movie in Lahore then why not it is possible in Dhaka. He also cited that, initially there was an objection from Karachi film industry despite that it helped revives the industry in larger extent. At the end we all hope exchange of cinema will open another dimension of India- Bangladesh relation. Now just need good endeavour from both the sides.

By-Arindam Chatterjee &Sandip Mukherjee.