Maharashtra’s traditional touring talkies are set to receive a modern twist as they transition from mere entertainment hubs to vehicles for cultural preservation and government outreach.
The state government has announced a new initiative under which these mobile cinemas will showcase films on historical events and promote various government schemes in rural areas. The directive, issued by State Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, aims to leverage the unique reach of touring talkies to disseminate information about government initiatives directly to rural and semi-urban populations. This strategy not only preserves cultural heritage through historical films but also enhances the effectiveness of government schemes by leveraging the widespread influence of these local cinemas.
Touring talkies, which are typically operational in villages with populations under one lakh, currently number between 50 and 52 across Maharashtra. Each operator will receive a grant of ₹2 lakh from the government to support the transition and ensure the continued operation of these mobile cinemas. The ticket prices for these screenings generally hover around ₹30, making them an affordable source of entertainment for rural audiences. The state government’s financial support is designed to facilitate the integration of historical content and promotional material into the touring talkies’ programming. This one-time grant aims to ease the adjustment process for operators and ensure that they can maintain their services while adapting to the new guidelines.
The move is expected to enhance the visibility of government schemes and cultural programmes, particularly in remote areas where traditional media may have limited reach. By combining entertainment with education and outreach, the initiative seeks to bolster community engagement and improve the dissemination of important information. With this strategic enhancement, Maharashtra’s touring talkies are poised to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between government services and rural communities, ensuring that cultural and developmental messages reach those who stand to benefit most.
