'Remove Grading In Gujarati Film Subsidy'

In response, the government formed a macro-level committee to take decisions. Experts from the film industry were part of this committee, and discussions were held on several issues. After careful consideration, the state government announced a "Quality Integrated Incentive Policy-2019" for Gujarati films in March 2019.

It promised financial assistance to foster an environment that improves the quality of Gujarati films, and encourages more people to watch them. 

This policy provided for direct financial assistance, awards and cash prizes to Gujarati filmmakers based on the quality of their films. Rules were created to decide how much assistance a film would receive, including ones to grade and rate a film's quality.

Gujarati films that win national or international awards are also given special financial support. Films based on specific subjects, such as those related to children, women's empowerment or Gujarati literary works, also receive special assistance. 

Under the policy, the minimum subsidy is Rs 5 lakh, and the maximum is Rs 75 lakh. Certain conditions need to be met to receive this subsidy. These include a "U" or "U/A" censor certificate for the film, proof (including of ticket sales) that it has been screened in theatres in Gujarat, the sound recording of the film is done in an upgraded format, etc.

Additionally, all receipts related to the film’s production costs have to be submitted. Films with a "C" censor certificate are not eligible for any subsidy. The application for subsidy has to be submitted using a designated form. 

Five years down the line, industry insiders have come out to criticise the 2019 policy, demanding a new one instead.

Manoj Patel, a screenwriter, producer and member of the screening committee for Gujarati films, along with Santosh Gajjar, a director who has a long association with the Gujarati film industry, claimed the current policy has fallen short in solving the issues faced by film-makers.

They felt the policy should be revised to address the flaws and ensure the development of Gujarati cinema.

The biggest flaw, according to them, is the 20-points allotted to ticket sales in the grading system. They claimeded that to avail the subsidies, many filmmakers are manipulating ticket sales, adding that in some cases, filmmakers and producers pre-book a large number of tickets before releasing a film. 

Furthermore, the screening committee — which is tasked with awarding subsidies — does not meet regularly.

They alleged that while there are around 200 members in the committee, only 8-10 members are regularly called to the meetings. This leads to individuals with little understanding of a film’s quality receiving bigger subsidies, they claimed. 

Patel and Gajjar also argued that the current policy has become outdated, adding that as a new policy is in the works and is expected to be announced within the next two months, this is the time to consider necessary changes.

They suggested that the Information Department scrap the 20 points allotted to ticket sales under the 2019 policy, and revive the 2016 policy instead, "as it had a better grading system". Instead of providing different amounts as subsidies based on the existing grading system, they proposed that every film in the Gujarati language be offered a fixed subsidy.