By Shakeel Akhtar, Author, Poet, Journalist
‘Saajha Cinema Dot Com (saajhacinema.com) is a platform where film producers can showcase their films as cooperative members. On this platform, the producer won’t have to pay any fees to exhibit their films; however, they will earn money based on the number of viewers. This groundbreaking initiative of creating the Saajha Cinema platform will greatly benefit indie film-makers who struggle to reach their films to the audience.’ This was stated by the eminent filmmaker Vinod Pandey, known for movies like ‘Once Again,’ ‘Ye Nazdeekiyan,’ ‘Star,’ and ‘Sins.’ Today, he continues to be actively involved in the field of filmmaking.
The Return of Parallel Cinema:
Talking about his new video-on-demand platform, Vinod Pandey said, ‘Our endeavor is to bring the era of parallel cinema back to the general audience through Saajha Cinema. Honestly, there is currently no platform for such films. You can talk about OTT platforms or some film festivals, but reaching there is not easy for an ordinary filmmaker. Many indie filmmakers are producing good and thought-provoking films on a low budget, but they are stuck with the question of where to showcase their films. Saajha Cinema Dot Com will allow us to show our films, initiating a new beginning.’
Watch Excellent Films for Just 49 Rupees:
The senior filmmaker stated, ‘Our new platform has already begun its operations and has garnered considerable interest from filmmakers. The process of bringing some filmmakers’ movies to the platform has started. My films can also be viewed on the platform. Among them is my latest film ‘Under Taker.’ In addition to this, films like ‘Sins’ and ‘Panaah’ can also be watched. Here, viewers only need to pay 49 rupees to watch a film. In return, they can enjoy their chosen film for up to 72 hours.’
Show Films Without Fees and Earn Profits:
He explained, ‘The concept of Saajha Cinema is like a cooperative cinema movement. The most significant aspect is that film producers or production houses don’t have to pay any fees for this platform. Yes, they will receive their payment upon the viewers watching their films. Seventy percent of the money will be received from each viewer’s payment. The remaining thirty percent will go into the platform’s maintenance. This way, it will be a platform run with mutual cooperation. He mentioned that while there are some foreign video-on-demand platforms, they are relatively expensive for Indian viewers. In contrast, we are offering the option to watch films for just 49 rupees.’
Saajha Cinema Committee will Give Invitations:
Vinod Pandey said, ‘Any film producer who wishes to showcase their film here will be sent an invitation along with a content review. The purpose behind content review is to ensure that viewers get to see excellent films – films that are substantial, artistic, and thought-provoking. This will benefit all indie filmmakers, whether they are from India or abroad. Let me tell you that an indie film is a feature or short film made by a producer without the support of a major studio or a big production house or company. This platform will also be a significant advantage for new filmmakers who are struggling to bring their low-budget films to the audience. He said, “The idea of this platform has come from my experience and the experiences of many other filmmakers like me.’
The Filmmaking Journey Continues Since 1972:
Vinod Pandey first came into the limelight in 1972 when he created a documentary called ‘Bharat in London’ while living in London.
Later, he left his job to make films, leaving behind the world of advertising and working as a news anchor for the BBC.
He made his first film ‘Once Again’ in London. In this film, actors like Suresh Oberoi, Deepti Naval, and Saeed Jaffrey worked.
Encouraged by the success of the film, Vinod Pandey moved from London to Mumbai and began his journey of making films like ‘Ye Nazdeekiyan,’ ‘Star,’ and ‘Sins.’
Balancing Filmmaking with Writing:
At the age of 82, the filmmaker, broadcaster, and author of three novels, Vinod Pandey, is still as active as his youth. Alongside film production, he remains dynamic on his two separate YouTube channels, Vinod Pandey Entertainment and Vinod Pandey Infotainment.
Vinod Pandey Entertainment features his old films and several programs related to fiction, such as ‘Film Senses,’ ‘Face to Face,’ ‘Har Dil Aziz,’ and audiobooks of his novels like ‘Dance of a Wife’ and upcoming ones like ‘Elevator,’ ‘A Little Love,’ ‘A Little Mischief,’ and ‘Passion.’
On the other hand, Vinod Pandey Infotainment features regular non-fiction and educational programs like ‘Four Fingers Formula,’ ‘Journey,’ ‘Pimmi’s Motivational Shorts,’ ‘Telling Images,’ and ‘Cinementor.’
When asked about continuing to do so much at this age, he says, “I think you should keep doing something…Life can be lived until you keep taking on new challenges.”
(Original Source: https://indorestudio.com/saajaha-cinema-par-dikhaiye-apni-banai-filmen-ye-hai-cooperative-manch/)
Photo Credit: Vinod Pandey / www.indorestudio.com