FilmIndia (Jan-Nov 1942)

May 1942 FILM INDIA Mr. E. P. KANGA Comrade Kanga proceeds to discuss the Indian film exhibition business in Africa and thinks that its present woes are due to the system of monopoly prevalent there. "As for the Indian film business, it has suffered so far due to the distribution of Indian films being in the hands of a syndicate which has been having its own way with the result that in 1942 people in East Africa are compelled to see 1930 productions like: "Gaibi Gola" and "Noor-E-Watan". "Till the last month I have succeeded in getting only four stations as the rest are under contract with the syndicate and in most of tho towns the syndicate controls the cinemas with the result that for the time being I am shut out from a number of stations". We like "for the time being" coming from Comrade Kanga. No one can shut out a pioneer like Kanga for long. Comrade Kanga says that Indian films have a hugt market out there in Africas, as according to him, in East Africa alone a single film can easily fetch Rs. 10,000/-. Comrade Kanga, therefore wants to know: Where is the sense in selling distribution rights outright for four or five thousand rupees? Who said that our producers had sense always? Not we! It seems that the "white skin" is doing its best to choke off Indian film business, or for that matter any Indian business, as much as possible. The Indian film, therefore, has, in a place like Nairobi with a population of 20,000 Indians, only 6 shows a week — 4 on Sundays and one each on Mondays and Wednesdays. In Mombasa, with an Indian population of 14,000, they get only 4 shows a week — 3 on Sunday and one every Monday. Comrade Kanga concludes; "The result is that there is so much rush at the cinema that respectable fi>:nily people refrain from g^ing to pictures to avoid being crushed. Both Nairobi and Mombasa are capable of maintaining an all-time Indian cinema but — " Comrade Kanga has something to say about the African Uiste in films: "Personally, I think no junks should be sent to Africa. Africa needs only 50 pictures a year and surely India can send 50 good pictures a year. (Kanga is an < ptimist. He doesn't know our producers yet). Producers should realize that the Indian pictures are well patronised not only by the Indians but also by the natives of Africa and even by several Europeans". So Comrade Kanga is getting along in Africa against the usual odds which have been his lot all his life. Kanga is always working for someone and preparing a rich harvest for that someone and in the process forgetting himself. And that is why, he is our Comrade. The British unique new aircraft Detectors can hear a plane at incredible distances. Gun. ners get ready. Interceptors take off. But the everyday dangers, of accidental loss, that threaten your business usually strike suddenly and silently. You have no warning — no time to "think things over". Lloyds offer you a cover that is flexible enough to meet any emergency, with unusually liberal policy provisions. Lloyd's policyholders appreciate this broad protection and prove it, by the 90% of all film insurance in India, placed at Lloyds. Much of the confidence, comes from the character of the Agents. They're able, experienced, friendly men — men you can trust with the vital job of setting up your business defences. SULTAN JANMAHOMED Agent LLOYDS INSURANCE (0VE& Established 1934 Prospect Chambers Annexe, Hornby Road, Bombay. Tel: No. 34316 Phonogram 34316 Bombay. 13