Cinema has always been more than stories on screen; it is memory, identity, and emotion preserved in moving frames. While mainstream cinema dazzles with its universal appeal, regional films nurture something far more fragile yet profound: the essence of language and the heartbeat of community. In a time when globalisation often overshadows local cultures, regional cinema rises as a gentle but powerful reminder of where we come from.
<h3 dir="ltr">Languages Kept Alive on Screen</h3>
Languages are not just tools of communication; they are carriers of heritage, thought, and belonging. Regional cinema gives languages the space they deserve. Recently, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee&rsquo;s push to prioritise Bengali films in theatres reflects the urgency of protecting languages that risk fading in the shadow of Hindi and English.
Maharashtra offers another inspiring example. Since 2015, one Marathi film is mandatorily aired in prime-time television, a move that has revitalised Marathi cinema&rsquo;s presence in everyday homes. This kind of visibility is crucial.&nbsp;
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://ibp-benefits.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/prod/news/uploads/images/1755409721202_Hemang%2520Dave.jpg" alt="Hemang Dave" width="194" height="194">
<figcaption>Hemang Dave</figcaption>
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Actor Hemang Dave, often recognised for his comic timing, connected cinema to social policy:
&ldquo;Cinema is a reflection of the society we live in, and I believe regional cinema must progress. For example, Mamata Banerjee might have made it a compulsion now, but in Maharashtra, one Marathi film always airs in the prime time since 2015, and we too must have it in Gujarat.&rdquo;
<h3 dir="ltr">Voices from Gujarat&rsquo;s Film Fraternity</h3>
When asked why regional cinema matters, artists from Gujarat responded with deep conviction.
National Award-winning actress Denisha Ghumra, celebrated for her performance in Hellaro, said:&nbsp;&ldquo;I feel it is important so that we can share stories of our roots and culture. Every language and culture has its own unique quality, and regional cinema brings it out in the most relatable way.&rdquo;
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://ibp-benefits.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/prod/news/uploads/images/1755409924846_Denisha%2520Ghumra.jpg" alt="Denisha Ghumra.jpg" width="171" height="257">
<figcaption>Denisha Ghumra</figcaption>
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Veteran actor&nbsp;Nisarg Trivedi, known for Saheb, emphasised the linguistic role of cinema: Regional films bring everyday speech, including local expressions and slang, to the audience&rsquo;s ears. In a time when many other languages dominate conversations, the mother tongue or regional language often finds less space in speaking, writing, or listening. It is here that regional films, along with television and radio, play a vital role in keeping these languages contemporary, relevant, and alive.
<figure class="image"><img src="https://ibp-benefits.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/prod/news/uploads/images/1755410006628_Nisarg%2520Trivedi.jpg" alt="Nisarg Trivedi.jpg" width="186" height="291">
<figcaption>Nisarg Trivedi</figcaption>
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Writer Paresh Vyas, behind films like Passport and Saheb, spoke of cinema as a unifying force: Films are the binding factors, an experience with my language and my people. It connects people with the culture and the community. Gujarat has always been open, and Gujarati films are a celebration of that openness, and so I believe a move like that (airing regional films in the prime time) is a must. Not just for Gujarat but for every state, I believe.
<figure class="image"><img src="https://ibp-benefits.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/prod/news/uploads/images/1755410282916_WhatsApp%2520Image%25202025-08-17%2520at%252011.27.33%2520AM.jpeg" alt="WhatsApp Image 2025-08-17 at 11.27.33 AM.jpeg" width="164" height="206">
<figcaption>Paresh Vyas</figcaption>
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These testimonies underscore what academia calls &ldquo;cultural continuity&rdquo;, the idea that stories in our mother tongue ensure traditions are not only remembered but lived.
<h3 dir="ltr">Beyond Entertainment: A Cultural Anchor</h3>
Regional cinema is not just about preserving the past. It also has the power to inspire change, document struggles, and give voice to the marginalised. Films like Court (Marathi), Village Rockstars (Assamese), or Gujarat&rsquo;s own Hellaro do not merely entertain; they educate, protest, and celebrate. They bring to life festivals, folk theatre, rural realities, and modern dilemmas, giving communities a mirror to see themselves in.
Regional films are not a luxury; they are a necessity. They carry the weight of language, the warmth of culture, and the unity of people. As Gujarat&rsquo;s artists remind us, promoting regional cinema through television slots, policies, and collective appreciation is about more than keeping an industry alive. It is about keeping our voices alive. Because when a language fades, a world disappears. But when it thrives on screen, a community rediscovers its soul.
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Regional films carry roots, pride, and stories that keep languages and cultures alive

When Cinema Speaks Our Mother Tongue

Regional films carry roots, pride, and stories that keep languages and cultures alive

August 17, 2025 | 16:59 IST