DEHRADUN, Nov 24 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has made headlines with his recent announcement, declaring the film ‘The Sabarmati Report’ exempt from entertainment tax throughout the state. This decision marks Uttarakhand as the seventh BJP-led state to embrace such tax relief for the film, following states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
'The Sabarmati Report' hit the theaters on November 15 and is directed by Dheeraj Saran. It draws inspiration from the tragic events surrounding the 2002 Godhra riots. Starring prominent actors including Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Ridhi Dogra, the film has been crafted to provoke thought and shed light on the events of the past.
During his announcement, CM Dhami shared his sentiments after watching the film. He reflected on the tragic incident where 59 Ram devotees who boarded the Sabarmati Express train were killed when it was set ablaze at Godhra station. He commented, “There was less investigation and more politics in the matter. The truth did not come out.” This statement resonates with the political undertones often associated with such sensitive historical events.
Dhami's praise extended to the film's producer, Ekta Kapoor, and the entire cast and crew. He commended their dedication to authentic storytelling, stating, “The urban naxal media propagated the incident as a lie.” This remark has drawn various responses, highlighting the complexity of narratives surrounding the Godhra riots, which continue to spark debate among historians and the public alike.
The exemption of the entertainment tax is viewed as more than just financial relief; it's considered by the government as part of efforts to encourage cultural productions and historical storytelling through cinema. The move aims to promote the film, which the chief minister says reveals truths concealed by media and political narratives.
‘The Sabarmati Report’ is positioned as more than just entertainment; it serves as a political statement reflecting the present-day ideology of the ruling party. The BJP has consistently sought to promote narratives aligned with Hindu pride and martyrdom, especially related to the events of 2002, deemed pivotal by many within the party and its supporters.
The film’s narrative dives deep, aiming to resonate with sentiments around justice, accountability, and acknowledgment of the pain endured by the victims of the 2002 riots. Seemingly, this political endorsement aims to strengthen community ties among those who deeply feel affected by the historical injustices portrayed.
Interestingly, ‘The Sabarmati Report’, amid the backdrop of political endorsement and tax exemptions, invites audiences to engage with their past. With its characters and dramatizations, it’s set to evoke conversations not just within conservative spheres but also across wider, more diverse audiences who seek to understand and reflect on the complex historical narrative of India.
The film's screening resulted from significant cinematic efforts initiated by various production houses, and its tax-free status is seen as a significant boost for filmmakers who now face the challenges posed by streaming platforms and changing audience behaviors.
Following the broader conversation initiated by its release, the chief minister's announcement could influence similar policies across other regions, urging discussions about state support for storytelling through cinema – especially those historical narratives which align with current socio-political landscapes.
Public reactions to the announcement have varied. Supporters argue the film serves as much-needed acknowledgment of tragic past occurrences, offering space for remembrance and reflection, whereas critics fear the potential politicization of historical events for electoral gains.
Looking forward, as ‘The Sabarmati Report’ continues to garner attention, scholars, pundits, and the public alike will be observing how this and similar films shape contemporary dialogues around history, media representation, and political accountability.
CM Dhami has called upon all to view the film, indicating its significance beyond mere entertainment, inviting all to engage with the historical truths it seeks to portray. The debate surrounding cinema’s role as both entertainment and reflection of societal issues remains ever pertinent, especially within the fluctuative dynamics of Indian politics.
