Bengal Govt Mandates Daily Prime-Time Screening Of Bengali Films In Cinemas

The West Bengal government passed an order on Wednesday (August 13, 2025), mandating the screening of at least one Bengali-language film daily in prime time slots in every theatre and multiplex in the State.

The Trinamool Congress, which is in power, has stepped up its Bhasha Andolan (language movement) as part of a push to prioritise the Bengali language and culture. This comes as Bengali-speaking migrants have been facing physical attacks and arrest across the country.

“In every cinema hall and on all screens (each screen) of every multiplex and theatre in this State, 365 prime-time shows of Bengali films shall mandatorily be screened throughout the year with at least one Bengali show per day,” the order by the State Government’s Information and Cultural Affairs Department reads.