US Edition
West Bengal Orders One Bengali Film a Day in Prime Time Across All Screens - The Statesman
The mandate requires daily prime-time Bengali film screenings in all cinema screens statewide to support regional cinema and cultural identity with 365 shows per screen annually.
- On August 13, 2025 in Kolkata, the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government issued a notification mandating 365 prime-time Bengali film screenings daily in all cinemas and multiplex screens throughout the year.
- Amid growing pan-India releases, Mamata Banerjee launched the Bhasha Andolan on July 17 to defend Bengali identity in BJP-ruled states.
- Under the new regulations, prime time is 3 pm to 9 pm, requiring 730 screenings on two-screen multiplex, with amendments to the West Bengal Cinemas Rules, 1956.
- Theatre owners raised concerns over reduced scheduling flexibility, while social media users responded with mixed reactions, as the Office of the Chief Secretary noted potential benefits for local businesses.
- Ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Bangla Asmita drive underscores language advocacy to bolster Bengali identity against the BJP, TMC's political strategy.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Mamata Banerjee's campaign for Bengali identity has reached cinema through language. The Trinamool Congress government has made it mandatory to show a Bengali film during prime time in cinemas of West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee's election strategy is going to increase challenges for the BJP.
Amid Mamata’s Bengali Asmita push, a must for cinema halls, multiplexes: Screen every day at least one Bangla film in prime time
‘Our Chief Minister, who loves culture, has come up with this directive to promote the Bengali language and film industry,’ said West Bengal Minister Aroop Biswas
WB govt orders cinema halls and every screen in multiplexes to mandatorily run prime time Bengali shows every day
In order dated 13th August 2025, the West Bengal government stated that the screenings of Bengali films shall mandatorily be held throughout the year, with at least one Bengali show per day for all 365 days during the year.
West Bengal Govt Mandates Screening of Bengali Films in Every Cinema Hall
Get latest articles and stories on Entertainment at LatestLY. In an order issued by the state government's Information and Cultural Affairs Department, the films are to be screened during the prime time, i.e., between 3 pm to 9 pm. Entertainment News | West Bengal Govt Mandates Screening of Bengali Films in Every Cinema Hall.
WB Govt: One Bengali Film Daily In Each Hall, Year A Must
The move also comes in wake of a series of attacks on Bengali-speaking people outside the state, mainly in the BJP-ruled ones, on the suspicion of being Bangladeshi infiltrators and ahead of the Assembly Election in Bengal: Reports
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
