In a unique initiative in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, a group of former Maoist rebels experienced a day unlike any other. They were invited to watch a special screening of the Marathi film 'Ghaath' at Gadchiroli's first-ever air-conditioned theatre. This cinema hall, an inflatable structure established just last month using district development funds, aims to introduce mainstream entertainment to this remote region.
'Ghaath,' a film that premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2023, delves into the lives of left-wing extremists, depicting their internal conflicts, disillusionment, and ideological struggles. Unbeknownst to the ex-rebels, the movie was a depiction of their own past lives. The film's director, Chhatrapal Ninawe, along with the cast, engaged with the former Naxals and their families, who currently reside in a camp under police protection.
Ninawe shared that the reactions from the former rebels were the biggest validation for him. They acknowledged the film's accurate portrayal of their lives, except for the ending, which sees the main character, a surrendered Maoist, die. The former rebels expressed that they would have preferred an optimistic ending, showcasing a path towards a better life after surrender. Following the screening, the director and cast members, Amit Shende and Dhananjay Mandokar, held an interactive session with the former rebels. The ex-rebels spoke about their difficult financial situations and the constant threat they face from their former comrades.
The establishment of Gadchiroli's first AC theatre and the screening of 'Ghaath' represent significant steps towards integrating former rebels into mainstream society and providing them with new experiences. For many of the children in attendance, this was their first time watching a movie on the big screen. The theatre itself is run under a public-private partnership by Picturetime Digital. The inflatable cinema hall is equipped with an AC screening room, 5.1 Dolby Sound, 120 push-back chairs, and digital projection. With 90% of the area being rural, ticket prices have been fixed at a pocket-friendly Rs 150.
