Writer-producer Harry Sachdeva’s dramatic thriller ‘31st October’ set against the backdrop of the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom ,which had released last week, has been declared tax-free by the Punjab Government. The government took this decision after taking in consideration the bold step taken by the makers of the film to throw light on the darkest day in the country’s history, the victims of which are yet to get justice from the Indian judiciary.
The film, which stars Vir Das and Soha Ali Khan, was not only lauded in India, but had also garnered appreciation from across the globe in its depiction of the gruesome riots and the bond of friendship and brotherhood between communities. The film revolved around the struggle for survival of a Sikh family trapped in a riot zone in New Delhi in the aftermath of the anti-Sikh riots following the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
While many Gurudwara management Committees and Sikh organizations lent their support by bulk booking theatres to show their members the film, few of them even approached the Punjab government for them to extend their official support. Upon reviewing the film, Punjab Government officials agreed on the historical importance of the film and they called upon Harry Sachdeva to inform him of the acceptance of the Tax Exemption in the state.
"I am grateful for the Punjab Government to see the merit and the message of the film and exempt from paying entertainment tax. My goal is to make this film reach as wide as possible and now people in Punjab can go see the film at a concessional rate. As this is a film that promotes brotherhood as well educating our young generation about the truth of the 1984 Sikh Genocide, it was important for it to get support from government in addition to the community,” said Harry Sachdeva , who was recently in Amritsar to meet with Sikh community leaders.
Expressing his happiness at the Box office response, where the film has collected 7.5 crore worldwide till Wednesday, Harry is hopeful for the collections to pick up further and a continued run on second week inspite of the two big releases- Shivaay and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil coming outthis Friday.
Produced by writer-producer Harry Sachdeva and Magical Dreams Productions Pvt Ltd, , co-produced by Anand Prakash, directed by National award winner Shivaji Lotan Patil, and released by Panorama Studios, ‘31st October’ is a glimpse into the controversial dark chapter of India’s History
