TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 21, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday described Chhattisgarhi cinema as a living document of the state’s folk culture, social values and cultural identity, asserting that the government is fully committed to its preservation and promotion. He was addressing the programme “Chhattisgarhi Filmo Ke Safar – Journey of Chhattisgarhi Films”, organised by the Chhattisgarh Film Vikas Nigam as part of the state’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, at the Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in the Science College campus here.
Sharing his reflections on the evolution and future of Chhattisgarhi cinema, the Chief Minister recalled the pivotal role played by former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh in establishing the Chhattisgarh Film Vikas Nigam, which laid a strong institutional foundation for Chhollywood. He also paid homage to the corporation’s first chairman, late Rajesh Awasthi, calling his untimely demise an irreparable loss to both the film industry and the state.
Shri Sai said Chhattisgarhi cinema has now entered a new phase of growth and opportunity. Praising the current chairperson of the Film Development Corporation, Ms Mona Sen, he described her as an experienced, dedicated and hardworking artist and expressed confidence that under her leadership, Chhollywood would achieve holistic development. “In the years to come, Chhattisgarhi films will further strengthen the state’s cultural presence and identity on national and international platforms,” he said.
Tracing the historical journey of filmmaking in the state, the Chief Minister noted that film production in Chhattisgarh began as early as 1957. He termed the National Award-winning film Bhulan The Maze, based on the novel Bhulan Kanda, a matter of immense pride for the people of the state. Emphasising the uniqueness of Chhollywood, Shri Sai said Chhattisgarhi films are deeply rooted in folk traditions, folklore and social realities. “Chhattisgarhi cinema is a living record of our folk culture and collective identity,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister underlined that the state government is working with seriousness and long-term vision for the development of the Chhattisgarhi film industry. As part of this commitment, Chitrotpala Film City is being developed, for which an allocation of ₹150 crore has already been approved. He said the initiative would provide modern infrastructure and new opportunities for filmmakers, technicians and artists, helping the industry reach greater heights.
Extending greetings on the Silver Jubilee year of Chhattisgarh, Shri Sai said the landmark year is witnessing the scripting of a new chapter of inclusive and all-round development. He expressed hope that programmes like Chhattisgarhi Filmo Ke Safar would serve as milestones in promoting and strengthening the state’s cinematic heritage.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated eminent producers and senior artists who have made outstanding contributions to Chhattisgarhi cinema, including Shri Mohan Sundrani, Shri Satish Jain, Shri Santosh Jain, Shri Manoj Verma, Shri Anuj Sharma and Shri Prem Chandrakar.
Addressing the gathering, Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation chairperson Ms Mona Sen welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for the reorganisation of the corporation. She acknowledged the contribution of veteran filmmaker Shri Satish Jain, producer of the iconic Chhattisgarhi film Mor Chhainha Bhuiyan, noting that the film played a defining role in giving Chhollywood a distinct identity. She reaffirmed her commitment to the sustainable and comprehensive development of the Chhattisgarhi film industry.
Skill Development Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb, MLAs Shri Sunil Soni, Shri Purandar Mishra and Shri Anuj Sharma, CGMSC Chairman Shri Deepak Mhaske, Chhattisgarh Fishermen Welfare Board Chairman Shri Bharat Matiyara, Chhattisgarh Telghani Vikas Board Chairman Shri Jitendra Sahu, Culture Department Director Shri Vivek Acharya, along with a large number of artists, producers and distinguished citizens, were present at the event.
