Rathore outlines booming grwoth of Indian Cinema
THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore outlined the booming growth of the Indian cinema business as curtains came down on IFFI 2016.
The Union minister informed the audience that while the present size of the industry stands at Rs 14,000 crore a year, it is predicted to grow to a baffling Rs 23,000 crore a year by the year.
Rathore further stated that the tax relief granted in 2004 for setting up film theaters and multiplexes sowed the seeds for the top 15 grossing movies produced after 2012. He also spoke about the pressing need to improve India's people to screen ratio which rpesently stands at one screen for a lakh of population as against 8,000 in the United States. Referring to the national award for the most film-friendly state, which has already been bagged by Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, the Union Minister urged Goa's Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar to ensure that Goa receives the award next.
"Films can be made by anyone with a good idea and we will endeavour to enhance the opportunities afforded by technology," he assured.
Goa's Governor Mridula Sinha, CM Parsekar, filmmaker Subhash Ghai, actor Nana Patekar, Pooja Hegde and crew of the closing film 'Age of Shadows' from South Korea were present at the ceremony which witnessed musical performances composed by Sachin-Jigar.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony, CEO of Entertain Society of Goa Ameya Abhyankar disclosed that preparations are already underway for creation of infrastructure including the much-awaited convention hall and allied facilities for the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the IFFI in 2019. "The 50th edition of IFFI will be the grandest that India and Asia-Pacific region has ever seen," he stated.
