BOMBAY TIMES (November 14, 2017)

While talking to BT, Mukesh Khanna, Chairman, Children’s Film Society of India (CFSI), says that it’s the Central government’s responsibility to improve the state of children’s films in India.

It’s your third year as CFSI chairman. You had sanctioned about a dozen films, which are yet to see the light of day. What’s going on?
I have got eight movies off the ground in my tenure so far. You think it’s very easy to have films made? No, it’s not. Four of these are out-and-out commercial projects because I don’t want these films to circulate only in festivals. Earlier, no one tried to get the films made by the society a theatrical release. However, I’m trying to do that and hopefully, these films will release in the next quarter or so.

I’m looking for distributors to partner for Tennis Buddies, Banarsi Jasoos, School Chalega and Chidiya Khaana. It has taken me long because I’ve had to battle with the I&B Ministry to get budgets sanctioned. They don’t want to acknowledge that the cost of filmmaking has spiralled in the past 20 years.

Why is funding becoming an issue when there are government subsidies?
We have subsidies, not budgets. The ministry is yet to understand the system I have set up. In the next year, we should be able to start about 12 films. So, I’ve got things moving. Also, we have organized a children’s film festival in Telangana that ends today.

After taking over as the I&B Minister, Smriti Irani has been making changes. Have you met her to discuss the working conditions of the CFSI?
I have not met Smriti Irani yet. She is too busy. I am surprised that despite an official letter, she hasn’t given me an appointment yet. I have also written to the PMO, requesting for money for kids. I mean, hamare paas bacchon ke liye paisa nahi hai to kiske liye hai?

Do you think that the condition of the body has worsened over the years?
We can restore its lost glory. Every child needs a film that he can enjoy. They don’t need saas bahu and brainless dramas. I ask filmmakers, ‘If we can spend Rs 300 crore on Baahubali, can’t we spend Rs 10 crore on a children’s film?’ I am fighting a mentality that needs to change. More producers have to come forth and work — they expect a Harry Potter from Hollywood and not even make a Shaktimaan here.