SHILLONG: With Rs 27 lakh put into production work, and another Rs 5 lakh spent for print and advertising, the National Award winning Khasi film Onaatah – daughter of the earth is set to run its last leg.
“We will be showcasing the film for the fifth and last week, that is till June 16 after a massive viewership and we have decided to pull the film out of theatres primarily, due to depreciating turn out, and also our earnest desire to take the film to the rural masses that have been unable to travel to Shillong”, the producers said.
There is an intention to take the film initially to areas in West Khasi Hills, and subsequently to the outskirts in East Khasi Hills, Ri- Bhoi and Jaintia Hills districts
The film which has created unprecedented ripples in the state ushered in positive changes for the film makers of Meghalaya.
The Government of Meghalaya has provided entertainment tax exemption for Onaatah on the basis that the film has brought accolades to the state.
According to the Onaatah team, a major rethinking could perhaps be drawn towards non-curtailing of ticket rates, wherein the producers can independently decide on ticket rates and market the film accordingly given the limited viewership that local productions enjoy. Currently, the government imposes rates for Khasi and Jaintia films at the rate of Rs. 80/-, 50/-, and 40/- for films shown in cinema theatres.
