Zerifa Wahid File picture
The call for more government support for the promotion of Rima Das’ Village Rockstars, the official Indian entry for the Oscars in the foreign films category, is growing and is coming from diverse quarters.
The Assam government had announced financial assistance of Rs 1 crore in two instalments but the amount is considered paltry by those in the know for launching a promotional campaign for the film at the Oscars. The distributor for the Northeast, Kamakhya Film’s Rajesh More, said more than Rs 3 crore would be required.
Rima Das, who has produced and directed the film, is mulling crowdfunding. “It’s like a fairy tale. I feel blessed. I hope I can promote the film properly,” she said. The film is holding its own against Bollywood fare in its second week of commercial release.
Star sprinter Hima Das has thrown her weight behind Village Rockstars, saying “I will do my part in promoting the film. The government, too, has a duty to provide adequate financial assistance for promotion of the film at the Oscars”.
Popular Assamese actress Zerifa Wahid also lent support.
“We all should help promote the film. Public sector organisations can use their corporate social responsibility funds to promote good films. The Indian government should pitch in as it is not only an Assamese film but an Indian one. It will be promoting India as well.”
The film has been running to full houses in Bengaluru and Mumbai with people complaining of being unable to book tickets. It has held its own against Sui Dhaaga: Made in India, which stars popular actors like Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma.
The film also got a boost when Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal along with several of his party colleagues and MLAs watched the movie at Anuradha Cineplex here. “Rima Das has made us proud. The film, set in a village, made me remember my childhood,” Sonowal said.
“The number of theatres in the state screening the film has increased from 34 to 42. The first week’s earnings from Village Rockstars is nearly Rs 50 lakh,” More said.
