How do regional film industries form and rise in India?

India, renowned for its linguistic diversity, boasts over 120 major languages, 270 mother tongues, and a staggering 19,500+ dialects. Within this linguistic tapestry, 22 major film industries thrive, with over 1000+ production organizations spanning the nation. The emergence of YouTube as a platform has significantly contributed to the growth of newer regional film industries in India. Despite the dominance of major film industries, lesser-known production houses operating in local regional languages are quietly flourishing and steadily gaining prominence.

During my extensive cycling tour across India, I had the privilege of interacting with individuals passionately contributing to the formation and growth of the Nagpuri and Khortha film industry, representing the regional language of Jharkhand and various parts of West Bengal. Engaging with a collective of artists, including the emerging Nagpuri/Khortha actor, 23-year-old Badnam Sanam, and the esteemed 26-year-old actor-cum-producer Rahul Kumar Mahato, provided valuable insights into the dynamics of shaping a regional film industry in India. With Jharkhand alone boasting 30 languages, witnessing the rise of a new industry in Nagpuri and Khortha was both captivating and mesmerizing. Exploring the inner workings of this burgeoning industry proved to be enlightening, surprising, and as entertaining as watching one of its films.

An ingenious route for formation of a regional film industry in India

Contrary to the conventional notion that a film industry might emerge from a group of film enthusiasts creating short films, my conversations with artists from the Nagpuri and Khortha film industry shed light on alternative pathways to its formation. In 2017, Rahul Kumar Mahato, alongside his close friend Uttam, initiated the UVR film channel on YouTube. At that time, they embarked on this venture without foreseeing how their endeavor would organically evolve into a cornerstone for the Nagpuri/Khortha film industry.

When Rahul and his friend Uttam initially purchased a camera for Instagram photography, little did they anticipate the journey they were embarking upon. They spontaneously began creating videos overlaying Nagpuri and Khortha songs, adding a creative storytelling element to the music, and shared them on YouTube for amusement. The local audience embraced this concept, forming a small but appreciative viewership. Recognizing the potential, Rahul and his team continued producing such videos, steadily expanding their subscriber base.

Their pioneering efforts paved the way for the emergence of over 100 channels that adopted a similar style of video making, with some, including the work of upcoming actor Badnam Sanam. Today, Rahul, along with his co-actress Vidhi Mahato, a prominent Instagram celebrity known for creating local reels, holds significant influence in the industry. Together, they have released three music videos, collectively accumulating an impressive 20 million views, establishing themselves as notable figures in the Nagpuri and Khortha film industry.

Rahul capitalized on the flourishing local niche by establishing a studio that not only promotes local musicians but also facilitates the creation of story-oriented videos set to their music. The widespread appreciation and encouragement from millions of viewers have sown the seeds for the imminent emergence of a film industry. The groundwork for this upcoming industry has already been laid out in the UVR film studio, founded by Rahul and Uttam. Currently, the team has completed the shooting of their inaugural film, a biopic on the life of tech celebrity Manoj Dey in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, eagerly awaiting its release.

The process of formation of the Khortha regional film industry

Rahul, now a highly sought-after celebrity in the Nagpuri/Khortha film industry, reflects on a journey that wasn’t without its challenges. Originating from an impoverished background, success didn’t come easily. His trajectory included roles as a restaurant waiter, a DJ player, and finally, affording a camera. Learning the intricacies of video production posed a significant uphill task. The formation of the initial studio team encountered conflicts and hurdles.

To finance music purchases and video editing, they redirected earnings from wedding photography, a skill they acquired using their camera. Delving into acting, videography, editing, and studio setup led them to work on adult web series in Kolkata for 1.5 years, adding further layers to their learning curve. Through unwavering dedication and hard work, UVR film has emerged as a significant player, boasting the largest collection of Nagpuri and Khortha language film videos on YouTube.

One stone two birds – creativity that helps regional film industry form and rise in India

The formation of the Nagpuri/Khortha film industry has created a platform for diverse artists to unite and showcase their talents. It has opened doors for musicians who might have otherwise remained unheard, providing them with opportunities to produce music for the film network’s videos. The establishment of the UVR film studio has brought together a collaborative team of videographers, editors, and actors working cohesively.

Within this creative nexus, RV Rahul, an exceptionally talented editor and rapper, found support from Rahul Kumar Mahato during challenging family times. This support not only forged a strong bond but also transformed them into brothers sharing a common vision. The studio serves as a stage for artists like RV Rahul to display their skills. Furthermore, it extends its direction and editing services to actors who may not have their own studios but aspire to enter the industry. Badnam Sanam is one such artist who has utilized the studio’s services, producing three music videos with their assistance.

Challenges in forming a regional film industry in India

In the journey of aspiring artists climbing the ladder, the establishment of a new regional film industry in India presents several challenges. Many emerging talents initially venture into Instagram reels, lacking formal acting training. Badnam Sanam himself acknowledges the need to hone his acting skills continuously due to his non-actor background. Producers often adhere to the proven formula of creating music story videos, hesitating to explore unfamiliar territories like filmmaking.

Currently, there’s a notable imbalance, with approximately 200 individuals competing to create music videos, while only a few express interest in filmmaking. The surge in duet videos indicates a preference from the audience, limiting the scope for innovation. Badnam Sanam highlights the impact of local politics, with established artists sometimes reluctant to support newer talents. Additionally, even highly talented individuals may need to invest significantly, ranging from 5000 to 30000 rupees in music and around 10000 rupees in filming and editing costs. The willingness to invest becomes a crucial edge in this competitive landscape.

Mind of the artists in the regional film industries in India

Exploring the intricacies of a budding film industry provided me with intriguing perspectives previously unfamiliar to me. Eager to delve deeper into the minds of the artists and comprehend the motivations behind choosing this profession, I posed some personal questions to both Badnam Sanam and Rahul Kumar Mahato. The profound insights I gained surpassed my initial expectations, unraveling aspects I hadn’t envisioned would be integral to the industry’s trajectory.

Justification

When questioning their motivations for entering the film industry, I received divergent responses from Rahul and Badnam Sanam. Rahul expressed a clear intention – his primary goal was to generate income to ensure his family’s happiness. Having experienced the challenges of a modest upbringing, he seized the opportunity in this field to break away from the cycle of poverty. Despite his financial success, Rahul maintains a simple lifestyle, donning unassuming attire and approaching everyone with humility. He candidly admitted to no hidden agenda and continues to engage in wedding photoshoots, acknowledging them as a reliable source of livelihood, enabling him to invest in more significant projects for future returns.

Conversely, Badnam Sanam revealed a desire to build a recognizable persona that could garner fame. It was striking to observe how the same industry bore different fruits for these two individuals, each plucking what resonated with their personal aspirations.

Validation

When queried about whose validation holds significance for them, both Rahul and Badnam Sanam echoed a shared sentiment. Having encountered disbelief and lack of support from individuals in their lives, they are driven by a desire to prove to their skeptics and surroundings that they can indeed accomplish their goals. Despite Rahul currently reveling in his success, Badnam Sanam is actively pursuing it. Both emphasized that the resistance to their growth from some quarters fuels their determination to push forward. The disapproval they face becomes the very fuel propelling them towards their aspirations.

Complains

Rahul expressed frustration about UVR films facing internal politics that led to the channel’s downfall, forcing them to restart from scratch. However, they have since gained access to their co-star Vidhi Mahato’s profile, actively maintaining and fostering its growth. On the contrary, Badnam Sanam’s complaint was self-directed; he acknowledged his own shortcomings in putting in the required hard work for consistent growth. Despite these challenges, both individuals exhibited a resolve with a clear understanding of the predetermined paths they need to follow, minimizing the extent of their grievances.

Materialism

When asked about their plans if they received substantial amounts of money, both Rahul and Badnam Sanam didn’t articulate specific plans. Their primary motivation for continuing to work stemmed from proving their doubters wrong. Rahul, already earning beyond his initial expectations, emphasized reinvesting in the business, often relying on EMIs for essential equipment, which served as a strong incentive for him to work harder and repay. While he expressed a desire to place a significant sum in his parents’ accounts for a comfortable lifestyle and allocate a portion to help those in need, his ideas on overall financial utilization appeared unclear.

In contrast, Badnam Sanam envisioned channeling his resources into sustaining his fame and possibly investing in a world trip with friends, indicating a more leisure-oriented approach to potential wealth.

The driving force propelling the entire film industry engine seemed to be the quest for validation from onlookers and disbelievers, primarily aimed at proving them wrong. Whether it was Badnam Sanam aspiring for a particular standing in the industry or Rahul’s pursuit of financial success, both were fueled by the opinions of those within their circle. Despite this, their unwavering hard work and dedication have not only provided hope and opportunities to emerging artists and talents but also instilled a belief that one can achieve their goals within their own community. It was a delight meeting these budding artists and gaining insights from their journeys. Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and for more articles like this, visit this page.