Is hindi cinema overshadowing regional cinema at the international level?
Over the years, regional films have not been getting their due at the international level.Though regional cinema is far more superior when it comes to technical expertise, it is often given a step motherly treatment when compared to hindi cinema, particularly at international film festivals. The general perception is that regional cinema is about obscure films in regional languages that nobody watches. Hindi cinema does overshadow regional cinema in terms of visibility and media patronage. Media is also partly responsible, playing up any film from bollywood, good or bad, and running down or plainly ignoring regional cinema.Most of the recent Bollywood releases have been remakes of regional films. That by itself is an acceptance of the regional films.It is not unfair to say that many of the hindi films today survive on hype and publicity.
Lack of government patronage is depriving the serious cinema of a proper platform at international level. Unfortunately at the international arena, they see Indian cinema as only Bollywood cinema, which does not truly represent Indian cinema. India is a composite culture and it is such a huge country. Each region has its own uniqueness. It is films made in these regional languages that are more natural and actually highlighting the real issues. They offer enriching insights and one can discover new aspects in cultures and ways of life portrayed in such films. In regional cinema, there are quite a few interesting films being made every year. Compared to the total output, the percentage might be small since India makes over 800 films a year. Only, 15 to 20 of them are serious films.But, unfortunately, these films do not get represented at the international arena which is a tragedy. Works of independent filmmakers are not known outside India, especially in the major European festivals and markets.Even within India people rarely get to know regional film makers since the industry is totally dominated by hindi films.They know about Satyajit Ray and some other Bollywood filmmakers but not many people know what is happening in Manipur, Assam, Karnataka or Orissa. Government should do something to provide a common platform so that regional cinema gets a fair chance to showcase its potential not only at the domestic level but at the international level as well.
Aggressive marketing strategy at international level benefited cinemas from many countries such as Iran and China. .It is not happening in India. The Indian government is not interested in serious cinema; they are not coming to help serious cinema in a big way.Added to that, Indian popular cinema is very well organised. They, unfortunately, think small budget films are their rivals. Sometimes they think they shouldn't be promoted. Despite the impediments, serious films are being made and shown at international arena.Also one should not forget that market determines popularity.
When it comes to mainstream cinema, there are a few directors who are making their presence felt. But the art cinema is facing tough times.There is a great need to have more film societies and journals devoted to regional cinema so that films from other states do not get sidelined. Just as hollywood has a seperate category for best foreign film in a langauage other than english, so also Indian film awards should include a non hindi film category for best regional film which in turn will give the much needed exposure to a much larger audience.
But there is good news. More international film festivals are being organized which are a sign of an ever increasing interest in movies from a large variety of cultures. This at least will put an end to the condescending treatment that regional films are subjected to. Also regional cinema needs to assert itself on the strength of its own merit and avoid being overshadowed by popular hindi cinema.
Sowmya
