Filmmaker seeks CM Mamata's help for screening 1946 riots-based movie
What's the story
Director Milan Bhowmik has written to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, urging her to take "immediate steps" to ensure that his film "Danga", based on 1946 riots in Calcutta, is released in theatres across the state. The film was scheduled to release in 37 theatres in WB on April 27, but only two movie halls have agreed to screen it so far, Bhowmik said.
Mailed letters
Mailed letters to Chief Minister's office
"I have mailed letters to the offices of the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary on April 27 and received a confirmation about the delivery. I am yet to get a reply to my letters," Bhowmik explained. It is sad that a film that has been awarded a U/A certificate by the CBFC didn't get a proper release in the state, Bhowmik rued.
Screening
Hoping that state government will intervene into the matter: Bhowmik
"I am now hoping the state government intervenes into the matter to ensure that the film, which has actor Gajendra Chauhan in role of Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, gets screen time in the stipulated theatres," he said. The Hindi version of Danga is running successfully in theatres of Assam, Bihar, and Jharkhand, Bhowmik said. "The film is doing well in other states."
Information
Theater owners who cancelled shows must have received threats
Hinting at sabotage attempts, Bhowmik said the 35 hall owners, who have canceled shows, must have faced threats of some kind. Bhowmik further said he would be compelled to move High Court if the film does not find screen space in West Bengal.
The film
Film educates youth about dangers of communal violence
The film, set in months leading up to riots that broke out in Calcutta on August 16, 1946, displays a disclaimer at the very beginning to state it was aimed at educating the youth about the dangers of communal violence. "Danga" does not glorify riots or vilify any community, the director asserted. The film doesn't even promote hatred, instead, it advocates communal harmony.