Munish Sood
Mandi
Shakh Mandi Mahotsav brings international films, cultural expression and powerful social messages to Paddal; opening film takes on female foeticide
The screen in Mandi’s Paddal was more than a source of entertainment on Saturday. It became a space for stories that question social realities, challenge established mindsets and leave audiences with something to think about.
The Shakh Mandi Mahotsav, a nine-day international cinema festival and cultural celebration organised by the Society for Himachal Art, Culture, Knowledge and Heritage (SHAKH), opened at the newly created auditorium at Paddal Ground, marking the beginning of an event that seeks to bring meaningful cinema and cultural expression closer to the people.
The festival was inaugurated by Mandi Additional Deputy Commissioner Priyanshu Ghatak, IAS, who lit the ceremonial lamp and described the initiative as a valuable platform for films with strong social messages and contemporary relevance.
Ghatak said cinema could do much more than entertain when it dealt with issues affecting society. Films with powerful narratives, he observed, could make audiences reflect on social practices and potentially contribute to changing mindsets.
The opening screening, “End of a Beginning”, set precisely that tone.
Directed by Ram Pal Mallik, the film takes on the deeply sensitive issue of female foeticide, using the story of an unborn girl and the circumstances surrounding her death to confront a social reality that continues to demand public attention. Shalavi Sharma plays the female lead, while co-director Pushp Raj Pushpi was also present at the festival.
Praising the film, the ADC said its message was powerful enough to leave a lasting impact on viewers. He also expressed his intention to explore screenings of the film in schools around Daughters’ Day, allowing its message to reach younger audiences and stimulate discussion on the value of the girl child.
The opening ceremony brought together people from the fields of education, culture, public life and the arts. Ashok Mehra of New Delhi, Ritesh Mehta of Nahan and Suraj Ratan of Dharamshala, members of the festival jury, attended the programme.
Among the special guests were former Principal of Vallabh Government College Ashok Awasthi, educationist Narpat Rana, Professor Dharam Pal Kapoor, councillor Sarita Handa and Professor Chaman Premi. A sizeable gathering of young people also attended the opening, adding an energetic dimension to the festival.
The programme was conducted by Kuldeep Guleria, former District Public Relations Officer and a long-time promoter of Himachal’s folk arts and cultural traditions.
With international cinema at its core and cultural programmes running alongside it, the Shakh Mandi Mahotsav is attempting to create a different kind of public space in the city—one where cinema is not merely watched, but discussed, questioned and experienced as a reflection of society.
For Mandi, traditionally known for its rich cultural heritage, the festival adds another dimension to its growing identity as a destination for artistic and cultural expression.
