The West Bengal government has issued a notification, which is mandatory for all the cinema halls and multiplexes of the state for screening of Bengali films during prime time every day of the year.

According to the order, “In every cinema hall, and in all screen (each screen) of each multiplex located in this state, screening of 365 prime time shows/Bengali films will be compulsorily held throughout the year, with at least one Bengali show per day for all 365 days during the year.”

The instruction defines prime time as the show scheduled between 3 pm and 9 pm. This means that every screen, regardless of its programming schedule, should allocate a prime time slot daily for a Bengali-language film.

Major Highlights of Order:

• Each cinema hall has at least one Bengali film show per day and multiplex across the state.
• A total of 365 prime time screening (between 3 to 9 pm) should be held throughout the year, making sure that Bengali cinema is accessible to the audience throughout the year.
• Amending the West Bengal theaters (regulation of public exhibitions) rules, 1956 will be made in the appropriate time to include this mandate.
• The order is immediately effective and will remain in force until further instructions are issued.

The move aims to promote regional cinema and ensure more visibility for Bengali films in the dominated era of Hindi, South and International Release. The state government has previously encouraged for the production of Bengali film, but this is the first time that such a strict exhibition requirement has been implemented. However, this theater can increase concerns over the scheduling flexibility between the owners.