Kahi Debe Sandesh
Kahi Debe Sandesh (transl. Convey The Message) is a 1965 Chhattisgarhi film written, directed and produced by Manu Nayak. Dealing with contemporary social issues such as untouchability and caste discrimination, it became the first Chhattisgarhi-language film.
| Kahi Debe Sandesh | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Manu Nayak |
| Written by | Manu Nayak |
| Produced by | Manu Nayak |
| Starring | Kan Mohan Uma Rajoo Surekha Parkar Kapil Kumar Ramakant Bakshi |
| Edited by | Madhu Adhsule |
| Music by | Malay Chakraborty |
Release date | 16 April 1965 |
| Country | India |
| Language | Chhattisgarhi |
Manu realised the rising popularity of films made in regional languages after the success of Bhojpuri films. It was then he decided to make a film in the Chhattisgarhi dialect, based on the inter-caste affair between a scheduled caste boy and a brahmin girl, which was a taboo at that period of time in large parts of India. The film was initially criticised by some conservatives and politicians, leading to agitations at theatres and protest for banning the movie. However, progressive congress politicians Mini Mata and Bhushan Keyur spoke in favour and ultimately the then I&B minister, Indira Gandhi saw the movie and acclaimed it to be the film that promotes national integration.
The film was premiered on 16 April 1965 in Durg and Bhatapara but due to controversy, it was released later in Raipur only in the month of September. It ran till 8 weeks in Rajkamal (now Raj) talkies of Raipur.