| Chhollywood | |
|---|---|
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| Main distributors | Y.K.M. Brother Production House Sundrani Films N.MAHI FILMS |
Chhattisgarhi Cinema also known asChhollywood refers to the film industry ofChhattisgarh state, Central India, or to films created in theChhattisgarhi language. It was established in 1965 with the release of the first Chhattisgarhi-language film,Kahi Debe Sandesh.
Kahi Debe Sandesh was released in 1965. Directed and produced by Manu Nayak, it was a story ofintercaste love; its release caused controversy, with Brahmins calling for a ban.[1][2] The next Chhattisgarhi film to be released wasGhar Dwar in 1971, produced by Vijay Kumar Pandey. However, both performed poorly at the box office.[3]
On October 27, 2000,Mor Chhainha Bhuinya was released,[4] the first Chhattisgarhi film sinceGhar Dwar. The film was a major success, grossing over ₹20,000,000, recouping its budget of around ₹2,000,000.[5]
Interest in the genre would further increase in 2005 whenBhakla was released, featuring a song composed by Kalyan Sen and sung byLata Mangeshkar.[6] Later, the filmBar. Satish Jain, having watched the film producedMayaa, Films such asMahun Deewana Tahun Deewani (Swapnil Film Productions)Tura Rikshawala, andLaila Tip Top Chhaila Angutha Chhap were released soon after.
Bhulan The Maze opened to international praise and won several awards. It became the first Chhattisgarhi movie to win aNational Film Awards, winning Best Film in Chhattisgarhi at67th National Film Awards.
Today Chhattisgarhi films often play in theatres outside ofChhattisgarh, especially in cities likeNagpur. The government of Chhattisgarh made a film policy to support Chhattisgarhi cinema. However, the support structure in the form of a subsidy remains unclear. The film makers are struggling to showcase their films due to an inadequate number ofcinema hall in the state. The film makers want the state government to help penetrate smaller towns to increase viewership, as that will help recover the production cost. This is important as unlike in 2000s when an average of only 4 to 5 films were made annually, today 40 to 50 film are made annually. This has resulted in competition between films that is affects their earnings.[7]
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