‘Sikaar’, an Assamese film featuring prominent actors Zubeen Garg and Adil Hussain, was set to shoot portions in the UK. However, the visa denial has thrown the project off track, raising challenges for the team to meet their original timeline.

Table of Contents

• The Struggle for Visa Approval
• The Impact on Assamese Cinema
• The Loss of Cultural Exchange Opportunities
• Support for Regional Cinema

The Struggle for Visa Approval

Debangkar Borgohain had been preparing for the shoot for several months. The team adhered to all procedural requirements for obtaining UK visas, submitting necessary documents in a timely manner. Despite thorough preparation, the UK authorities rejected their visa applications without specifying clear reasons.

The visa rejection came as an unexpected blow. It not only affected the team’s morale but also cast a shadow over the project’s future. Borgohain expressed his frustration, noting that the denial put a significant strain on their efforts to successfully complete the film.

The Impact on Assamese Cinema

The visa denial to the ‘Sikaar’ team not only impacts the film itself but also brings to light broader issues affecting regional cinema, especially Assamese films. Assamese cinema has been gaining both national and international recognition in recent years. However, the struggles that these films face expose the hurdles in gaining rightful audience and support.

Regional films like ‘Sikaar’ play a crucial role in preserving and showcasing Assamese culture and stories. Facing visa hurdles and other logistical challenges can jeopardize these projects, hindering their growth and recognition.

The Loss of Cultural Exchange Opportunities

The UK visa denial also means missing out on valuable cultural exchange and collaboration opportunities. Shooting portions of ‘Sikaar’ in the UK was aimed at bringing a unique dimension to the film, offering a platform to display Assamese talent to a global audience. This rejection means a loss of these prospects, limiting the film’s ability to present a global perspective and foster international cooperation.

Support for Regional Cinema

This incident underscores the urgent need for greater support and recognition of regional cinema. Efforts need to be put in place to facilitate film production across various regions, particularly those in lesser-spoken languages like Assamese. Streamlined visa processes, financial backing, and infrastructure development are critical to ensure that these films can flourish.

Recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by regional projects like ‘Sikaar’ is essential to ensure that diverse stories from across India reach a wider audience and contribute to the rich tapestry of Indian cinema.

Source: NDTV

Credits: Directorate General of Public Relations, Government of Assam

Image Credits: NDTV

FAQs

1. What is the film ‘Sikaar’ about?

The film ‘Sikaar’ is an Assamese film directed by Debangkar Borgohain, featuring actors Zubeen Garg and Adil Hussain. It aims to showcase Assamese culture through a compelling narrative.

2. Why was the ‘Sikaar’ team denied UK visas?

The ‘Sikaar’ team’s UK visa applications were rejected by UK authorities without citing specific reasons, causing significant disruption in their shooting schedule.

3. How does this visa denial affect the film?

The denial has halted a portion of the filming scheduled to take place in the UK, causing delays and raising concerns about the project’s completion.

4. What challenges are faced by regional films like ‘Sikaar’?

Regional films often face logistical and bureaucratic challenges including visa hurdles, limited financial support, and insufficient infrastructure development, which can impede their growth and international recognition.

5. How can regional cinema be better supported?

Support for regional cinema can come through streamlined visa processes, enhanced financial backing, and improved infrastructure to facilitate film production and ensure that diverse cultural stories reach a wider audience.