Sunil Chadha
Shimla
The mist-covered hills of Himachal Pradesh are about to become the backdrop for a brand-new era of storytelling.
In what is being described as a “paradigm shift” for the state’s entertainment industry, the launch of Pahadi Movies is set to revolutionize regional cinema and put the unique culture of the mountains on the global map.
Dr. Naresh Kumar Koundal, a prominent voice behind this movement, believes the timing is perfect. According to Koundal, the “zeitgeist”—the current spirit of the times—is ripe for indigenous cinema.
He predicts that this initiative will not only transform Himachal’s media landscape but will also exert a powerful influence on the entertainment sectors of neighboring Jammu and Uttarakhand.

The Heartbeat of the Hills
What will make these films stand out? It’s all about authenticity. Dr. Koundal emphasizes that by weaving Pahadi folk music, the rhythmic Pahadi Nati, and local traditions into the scripts, filmmakers can create a “distinctive essence” that big-budget Bollywood often misses.
“The people of Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Jammu have a deep-rooted affinity for their cultural heritage,” Koundal noted. “It is a foregone conclusion that they will lend their unequivocal support to cinema that speaks their language and honors their mores.”
A Wave of Opportunity
Beyond the silver screen, this cinematic boom is expected to be a major job creator for the region.
The project promises to:
- Showcase Local Artistes: Give Himachali actors, singers, and performers a platform to shine without having to migrate to Mumbai.
- Fuel Education: Catalyze the opening of new institutions dedicated to acting, dance, and music.
- Empower Creators: Provide a fresh canvas for local directors and technicians to build their careers at home.
From Local Roots to Global Screens
Dr. Koundal views this move as the inaugural step in a much larger journey. The goal is to promote the Himachali language and culture on both national and international canvases.
While the industry is in its infancy, he stresses that starting now is vital, leaving plenty of room for refinement and growth as the movement gains momentum.
As Himachal embraces this new era, the message is clear: the mountains have a story to tell, and the world is finally invited to watch.




