Chhattisgarhi cinema is a living document of our folk culture and identity – Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Government committed to preservation and promotion of Chhattisgarhi cinema – Chief Minister

CM Vishnu Deo Sai attends Silver Jubilee event ‘Journey of Chhattisgarhi Films’; senior artistes and producers felicitated

Raipur, December 2025 : The State Government is committed to the preservation and promotion of Chhattisgarhi cinema – Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today attended the programme “Journey of Chhattisgarhi Films on the occasion of Chhattisgarh Silver Jubilee,” organised by the Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation at Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, located at the Science College campus in the capital Raipur. On this occasion, the Chief Minister shared his detailed views on the development journey, achievements and bright future of Chhattisgarhi cinema.

In his address, Chief Minister Sai recalled the contribution of former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh in the establishment of the Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation and said that he played an important role in laying a strong foundation for “Chhollywood”. He also paid tribute to the Corporation’s first Chairman, Late Rajesh Awasthi, stating that his untimely demise is an irreparable loss not only to Chhattisgarhi cinema, but to the entire state.

The Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarhi cinema has now entered a new era. Calling the current Chairperson of the Corporation, Ms. Mona Sen, an experienced, diligent and dedicated artist, he expressed confidence that under her leadership Chhollywood would witness comprehensive growth. He said that in the coming times, Chhattisgarhi films will further strengthen the state’s culture, art and identity at national and international levels.

Recalling the historic journey of film production in Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister said that filmmaking in the state began in 1957. He described the national award received by the film “Bhulan: The Maze,” based on the novel Bhulan Kanda, as a matter of pride for the entire state. The Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarhi cinema is deeply rooted in folk culture, folklore and social values, which gives it a unique identity. He said that Chhattisgarhi cinema is a living document of our folk culture and identity.

He said that the State Government is working with complete seriousness and commitment for the development of Chhattisgarhi films. As part of this effort, construction of Chitrotpala Film City is underway, for which an amount of ₹150 crore has been sanctioned. Expressing confidence, he said that the future of Chhollywood in the state is golden, and the government will extend every possible support to elevate the film industry to new heights.

Extending greetings on the Silver Jubilee year of Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister said that this historic year is scripting a new chapter of all-round development. He expressed hope that this programme would prove to be a milestone in the development of Chhattisgarhi cinema.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also felicitated producers and senior artistes Mohan Sundrani, Satish Jain, Santosh Jain, Manoj Verma, Anuj Sharma, and Prem Chandrakar for their remarkable contribution to Chhattisgarhi cinema.

Addressing the programme, Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation, Ms. Mona Sen, welcomed the Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for the reorganisation of the Corporation. She thanked producer Satish Jain of the Chhattisgarhi film “Mor Chhahinha Bhuiyan,” noting that the film played an important role in giving Chhattisgarhi cinema a new identity. She also reaffirmed her commitment to the holistic and sustainable development of the Chhattisgarhi film industry.

On the occasion, Minister of Skill Development Guru Khushwant Saheb, MLAs Sunil Soni, Purandar Mishra, Anuj Sharma, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Deepak Mhaskey, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Fishermen Welfare Board Bharat Matiyara, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Oilseed Development Board Jitendra Sahu, Director of the Culture Department Vivek Acharya, along with a large number of artistes, producers and distinguished citizens were present.