Veteran actress-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan has made a passionate plea to the government to show “mercy” towards the film industry, alleging that it is being “killed” by the current administration.

A Call for Support

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Bachchan expressed her concern over the struggles faced by the industry, particularly with regard to the shutdown of single-screen theaters and the rising costs of movie tickets.

Bachchan, a Samajwadi Party member, urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to take the issue seriously and provide support to the industry. “I am speaking on behalf of my film industry and making a request to this House on behalf of the audio-visual industry, that please spare them. Please have some mercy for them. You are trying to kill this industry. Please do not do this,” she said. Bachchan also noted that the film industry is a vital cultural bridge that connects India to the world.

What sparked the comment

The veteran actress’s comments come amid a backdrop of rising costs and taxation in the film industry. The finance ministry recently announced that popcorn sold loose will continue to be taxed at a 5% GST rate, while bundled with a movie ticket, it will be treated as a composite supply, with a tax rate of 12 to 18%. This move has been met with criticism from the film industry, with many arguing that it will lead to increased costs for consumers and further exacerbate the decline of single-screen theaters.

The film industry is not just a source of entertainment, but also a significant contributor to the Indian economy. According to a report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Indian film industry is estimated to be worth over ₹200 billion. The industry also employs millions of people, both directly and indirectly, and is a significant source of revenue for the government.

On the professional front, Jaya Bachchan will be next seen in the upcoming film Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling, directed by Vikas Bahl. The film is currently in production and is expected to release later this year.