Tollywood at a crossroads: Election results trigger calls to end ‘ban culture’ and political control

West Bengal’s shifting political landscape is now sending ripples through its film industry, with Tollywood staring at a possible reset after years of alleged political interference and internal control. The recent election results have not only altered the balance of power in the state but also shaken up Tollygunge’s long-standing equations.

A symbolic defeat, a larger message

The defeat of former minister Aroop Biswas, a key figure associated with Tollywood’s functioning, by actor Papia Adhikary is being seen as more than just an electoral loss. Along with his brother Swarup Biswas, Aroop had long been perceived as wielding significant influence over the industry. Their loss has now emboldened voices within Tollywood demanding structural change.

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Glamour candidates: Mixed results

The election also saw a mixed outcome for film personalities entering politics. From the BJP camp, names like Rupa Ganguly, Rudranil Ghosh, Hiran Chattopadhyay, Agnimitra Paul and Sarbori Mukherjee emerged victorious.

On the Trinamool side, Nayana Bandyopadhyay was the lone winner from the film fraternity, while several high-profile names, including Bratya Basu, Raj Chakraborty, Indranil Sen, Soham Chakraborty and Sayantika Banerjee, faced defeat.

Industry pushes back against ‘ban culture’

At the heart of the current churn is growing resentment against what many insiders describe as a “ban culture”, allegedly enforced through the Federation of Cine Technicians & Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI), led by Swarup Biswas. According to a report in The Times of India, producers and filmmakers have long claimed that:

- Hiring decisions were dictated

- Release and exhibition faced pressure

- Dissenting voices risked being sidelined

Some actors and directors, including Anirban Bhattacharya and Indranil Roychowdhury, were reportedly “banned” after challenging the system through legal means.

“The moment politics entered…”

Exhibitor Arijit Dutta told The Times of India, “The moment politics entered the film industry, things went downhill. Many of my fellow exhibitors received phone calls with strict instructions to run certain films. Only time will tell if this system will change. The film industry has to become a priority. I am hopeful of change.”

Producer Himanshu Dhanuka was more direct, telling the same publication, “We fought this regime since 2016 — when no one was willing to speak, Eskay Movies did. Shoots were stalled even in London, bans were imposed, and letters to the then chief minister went unanswered. What happened in Tollywood wasn’t union activism — it was a political stranglehold dressed up as worker protection. Tollygunge has voted for change. Now let Tollywood breathe.”

Calls for structural overhaul

The demands now go beyond just ending alleged bans. Director-producer Pijush Saha said, “We have to end the tyranny of the Biswas brothers and their yes-men. People were scared to invest in Bengal because of their arm-twisting.” Meanwhile, distributor Satadeep Saha questioned the authority of unions dictating industry practices. “How dare Swarup Biswas’s Federation ban people in Tollywood? Technicians will be hired based on a film’s needs. It’s also time to review every guild card he has issued. Political beliefs should not decide who gets a guild card,” he told TOI.

A turning point for Tollywood?

The election results appear to have triggered what many are calling a long-overdue reckoning. For years, Tollywood was seen as closely aligned with the ruling establishment. Now, with the political tide shifting, the industry is demanding autonomy, transparency, and creative freedom.