Emphasis on Making Jharkhand's Soil, Language and Stories the Identity of Cinema

Ranchi. On the second day of the Jharkhand Tribal Festival organised by the Jharkhand government, a special panel discussion on film making was held at Veer Budhu Bhagat Sabha Hall in Morhabadi Maidan along with screenings of various short and animation films. The program discussed in detail the possibilities of film making, technical training, providing opportunities to local talent and developing Jharkhand's own cinematic identity. The master class and panel discussion together with the film screenings gave young filmmakers, students and cinema‑enthusiasts a chance to understand the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking up close. The panel comprised Mr. Indranil Mukherjee, head of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Mr. Pradipto Bhattacharya and director Mr. Niranjan Kujur, who explained in depth the different creative facets of production, direction and editing. Moderator Kalyani Khatri asked many practical and technical questions about the filmmaking process. The discussion tried to find out how to start filmmaking in Jharkhand, on what basis a story should be chosen, whether a film can be made without formal training, how to use natural and artificial lighting, where to set limits on emotions in acting, how a creative rapport between actor and director can be developed and what the differences are between OTT and feature‑film editing. Panelists answered from their experience and cleared the audience's curiosities about film making. “Beyond training, your story and vision are more important for making a film”. While discussing the role of training, Sudipto said that formal training is not always necessary to make a film. A good film can be made without institutional training, but it requires clear thinking and the ability to understand one’s story. He noted that many filmmakers who have not undergone formal training still show a deep vision of life in their documentaries and movies. According to him, training improves technical efficiency, but a filmmaker’s sensitivity, vision and storytelling ability are his greatest strengths. “From natural light to LED, the world of film making has changed”. In response to questions about lighting, the panel explained that the choice between natural light and artificial illumination depends on the story, the scene and the director’s creative need, though natural light has its own beauty and authenticity, so many filmmakers still prefer it when the narrative calls for it. The discussion highlighted that technology is a tool, but the decision to make a scene impactful lies with the filmmaker’s vision. “Balancing emotions is a big challenge for cinema”. When Kalyani Khatri asked about emotional shoots, panelists compared it to cooking, saying that just as the amount and timing of spices matter in a dish, the amount of emotion in a scene must be calibrated and sometimes restrained. They said emotion in a film does not arise only from an actor’s performance; direction, editing, colour, sound, music and the audience’s mood all combine to shape the emotional impact. Connecting the audience with emotions is important, but excess can make a film cumbersome. “I want to write stories that smell of my soil”. Director Mr. Niranjan said that for him the most important foundation of a story is what touches him deeply. Jharkhand’s culture, society and his own ground experiences inspire him to write. He prefers to write and produce stories that carry the fragrance of his culture and soil, and giving space to regional languages such as Kurukh and tribal life is a crucial part of his creative work. He added that training broadened his perspective, but after returning he chose to focus on stories rooted in his land and cultural roots. “Understanding between actor and director improves acting”. Panelists said that a director’s understanding of an actor’s mood and capability is not developed in a single day; it starts at casting. By observing an actor’s energy, expression and personality, the director tries to decide which role and situation the actor can handle best. Continuous dialogue and collaboration during shooting develop a creative understanding that makes performances more natural and effective. “Editing for OTT and feature films is different”. Discussing the differences, panelists explained that each medium has distinct requirements. OTT demands constant audience engagement, so cuts, sound, music and other effects are used differently, whereas feature films aim for a continuous cinematic experience, integrating story, performance, lighting, editing, sound and music into a holistic experience. According to speakers, the entire creative process from scripting to editing and sound design differs between OTT and feature films. “Changing cinema reflects changing society”. The panel also discussed the rise of vulgarity, violence and offensive language in films and OTT platforms, noting that cinema is a mirror of society and reflects its changes. They said digital media have expanded the scope of expression and audience preferences have shifted. The changing social role of women and the impact of feminism have also influenced film subjects. These changes should be understood not only as entertainment but as reflections of a changing societal mindset and relationships. “Regional languages can become the strength of Jharkhand cinema”. The panel stressed that Jharkhand’s regional languages, folk tales, tribal life, nature, history and contemporary social concerns can give its cinema a distinct identity compared to other parts of the country. Making films in local languages will preserve cultural heritage and create employment and creative opportunities for local writers, artists, directors, producers, editors and technicians. Panelists said that to develop Jharkhand as a strong film hub, local talent must be provided with training, technical resources, financial support and platforms to showcase their films. The core message of the discussion was clear – Jharkhand cinema does not need to import its identity; its greatest strength lies in its soil, languages, culture and stories. It needs to be given a cinematic language and camera’s eye. This effort can give Jharkhand a unique identity among the nation’s major film‑making centres. During the program, several short and animation films were screened including the animation films “XENO” and “PRIYO AMI” (directed by Suchna Saha) as well as “What Are You Searching”, “Look at the Sky” and “Tou‑Tai”. Films made in Jharkhand’s regional languages such as “Sohrai” (Hindi), “Miyad Arah Gaada” (Mundari), “Gadi Lohardaga Mail” (Hindi) and “Aabua Paika Kabu Baegya” (Mundari) were also presented, showcasing local culture, linguistic diversity, social life, traditions and contemporary concerns. The screening highlighted that Jharkhand’s languages and cultural heritage are not just subjects for cinema but can form the very basis of its distinct identity. The event was attended by dignitaries including the Vice‑Chancellor of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Shri Shukranto Majumdar, Shri Shiladitya Sanyal, Shri Nilanjan Banerjee, Joint Secretary of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Monica Tuti, Joint Director Mr. Anand, Deputy Director Mr. Syed Rashid Akhtar, filmmaker Mr. Biju Toppo and other eminent personalities. The ceremony was hosted by Mrs. Bharti Ojha.