Honouring a commitment?

Jasmine Singh

Something new, something old, some reservations, some blocks, some wrestling, some politics, some stars have invariably kept Haryana in the news. And now, it is all about Pagdi. The Haryanvi film that already won many awards, including the National Awards in 2015, is all set to release in 8,200 theatres across India on April 22. Following is yet another interesting news that the Haryana Government will be making the film tax fee. The film is being promoted with a lot of fanfare. Does this point towards better times of the regional cinema or the artistes in Haryana see it as one odd case? 

Head held high

Debutant director Rajeev Bhatia’s Haryanvi film Pagdi: The Honour is a story of a patriarchal society. The 100-minute-film is a story of a man who loses his reputation and respect in society due to his son’s love interest. Based in Haryana’s Kajla village, the film deals with inter-caste marriage woes and how eventually, parents come to realise the need to respect their children’s choices irrespective of social pressure. 

Usha Sharma, the lead actress of first commercial successful Haryanavi film Chandrawal, definitely feels good about the response but she has her own doubts. 

The actress starred in Chandrawal 2 which was directed four years back. “We get to see a lot of Haryanavi culture in Bollywood. Does that establish our cinema anywhere?” Usha says Haryanavi cinema as compared to Punjabi cinema has not got that recognition. “Punjabi cinema is recognised abroad as well; even Jalandhar Doordarshan helped to promote Punjabi culture earlier, which can’t be said about us. Pagdi is one odd case; a lot needs to be done if Haryanavi cinema has to come forward.”

So far, so good 

In 1984, Devi Shankar Prabhakar’s Chandrawal became the most successful Haryanavi film. Later in 2000, Laado won the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Film of a Director at the National Award and now Pagdi is creating similar buzz. Ramendra Jakhu, former additional chief secretary, Haryana, is of the opinion that Haryanavi cinema has only reached 25 per cent of its potential. 

“They still have a long way to go; they should keep making more films and not just stop with one film. I also think Haryanavi films, whenever they are made, should open in some new territories as well; at least they should come to Chandigarh,” he says.  

No money, no story 

Haryanavi actors and those who are willing to invest money in Haryanavi films do not see any scripts or anyone approaching them for the same. Rrupaali, a producer, says she doesn’t see many themes in this Haryanvi cinema. “Like in Punjab, the only theme was zameen ki ladaai, the same is the case with them now. I think with better themes and marketing skills, they should also be making good films in near future.” 

Distributor Munish Sahni, who had distributed Haryanavi film Desi Laila Modern Chaila long time back, doesn’t see filmmakers making sincere efforts. “If only they do good marketing, this cinema can reach anywhere. I am sure the exhibitors of Haryana wouldn’t know about this film.”

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