Patna: A screening of the 1982 cult Hindi film Nadiya Ke Paar was held in Patna on Saturday as part of a cultural initiative by the Bihar government aimed at reviving interest in cinema rooted in the state’s folk traditions.
The event was organised by the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation under the Department of Art and Culture as part of its ongoing “Coffee with Film” programme. The screening took place at Regent Cinema, near Gandhi Maidan, and was attended by film enthusiasts, students and cultural practitioners.
First released more than four decades ago, Nadiya Ke Paar is widely regarded as a landmark film depicting rural life and social customs in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Produced by Rajshri Productions and directed by Govind Moonis, the film is remembered for its understated storytelling and its portrayal of village relationships shaped by tradition and restraint. The film’s enduring popularity is also closely tied to its music, composed by the late Ravindra Jain. Songs such as Kaun Disha Mein Leke Chala Re Batohiya continue to resonate across generations, with cover versions still widely shared on digital platforms.
Officials said the programme was conceived as a response to what they described as the declining credibility of mainstream Bhojpuri cinema, which they believe has overshadowed films that reflect Bihar’s cultural depth. Arvind Ranjan Das, film adviser to the corporation, said the dominance of commercially driven content had created a negative perception of cinema associated with the state.
“It has become necessary to create a creative space where films rooted in Bihar’s cultural heritage and social values can be revisited and discussed,” Das said, adding that the initiative sought to foster a more nuanced engagement with regional cinema.
Officials said the “Coffee with Film” programme would continue to showcase films connected to Bihar’s cultural traditions, accompanied by discussions aimed at encouraging critical appreciation and dialogue around regional cinema.
