Soon, government promo films before movie shows

Indian movie buffs will soon witness the Modi government’s achievements just before their favourite film show unveils. The government’s achievements, “people-centric” policies and issues of national concern would soon be shown as short films ahead of film shows in cinema halls across the country. It is learnt that showing such government spots and messages is likely to be made mandatory before the start of each movie show. The first such spot 70 saal azaadi: Zara yaad karo kurbani will be unveiled in the theatres soon. It is understood that while such spots were shown before movie shows in cinema halls till the Narasimha Rao regime, the practice was discontinued with the growing popularity of the television medium.

However, the Modi government is understood to have decided to revive this practice this year, which is the 70th year of India’s independence.

It is felt that through such spots, the government would be able to reach millions of people who visit cinema halls and would also be able to showcase its work.

Currently, government-run spots in cinema halls concentrate on fighting the tobacco and alcohol menace. The first short film is expected to showcase the celebrations of 70 years of independence being undertaken across the country. Thereafter, it is understood, that short films on Swachchh Bharat Abhiyaan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and International Yoga Day — issues considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi — are likely to be presented at cinema halls.

These spots will be showcased in cinema halls under the cinematography act which mandates depiction of short films for social awareness ahead of movie shows.

It is understood that the Press Information Bureau of the Union information and broadcasting ministry has been mandated to suggest themes for such short films.