Chhattisgarhi cinema, popularly known as the Chollywood industry, may not yet enjoy the same spotlight as other regional film industries, but it has carved out a vibrant cultural space of its own. Its star power includes prominent actors such as Anuj Sharma, Karan Khan, Prakash Awasthi, Mann Qureshi, Anukriti Chouhan, Sonali Sahu, and Shikha Chitambare. Its comedic flair is led by performers like Sanjay Mahanand and Hemlal Kaushal. On the production front, companies such as Swapnil Productions and Deep Productions, along with acclaimed filmmakers including Satish Jain, Manu Nayak, and Prem Chandrakar, form the creative backbone of this regional cinema. Distributors like Sundrani Films have also played a key role in bringing these stories to audiences. Notably, several artists and writers from Chollywood have also contributed to the Bhojpuri film industry.
The industry’s journey began in 1965 with the release of its first Chhattisgarhi film. However, it experienced a significant revival in 2000 with Satish Jain’s groundbreaking film “Mor Chhaina Bhuiya,” marking the beginning of its modern era. Chollywood films are known for their catchy, humorous songs and narratives centered on class conflict, romance, and family drama. Many of these stories are ensemble-driven, building intensity through the second act before resolving in a heartfelt finale. The vibrant reflection of regional culture—especially its festivals and customs—gives these films a distinctive identity. While most stories are rooted in the Chhattisgarhi landscape, some occasionally venture beyond it.
Much like indulging in local street foods such as Hulchul, Chaat, Bhel, and Paapdi Chaat, watching these films offers a flavorful, entertaining experience. The future of Chollywood remains a story in the making. Whether it will rise to the stature of other strong regional industries like Marathi, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, or Odia cinema is something only time will reveal. Notably, its production budgets have already grown significantly—from a modest 20–30 lakh range to around 60–70 lakhs today.
Here’s a curated list of eight standout Chollywood films currently available to watch for free on YouTube.
1. Bhakla (2006)
“Bhakla” follows a character whose quirks recall Sam from “I Am Sam” or the son in the Korean film “Mother.” Like many Chhattisgarhi films, it focuses on an ensemble cast rather than a single hero or heroine. The narrative weaves several threads: Laxmi and Narayan’s hesitant love story, Thakur’s pride as the villain, and Radha’s struggle against her cruel stepmother while caring for her sick father. Bhakla’s brother Dukalu faces a conflict with a Muslim farmer. Ultimately, the film delivers a heartfelt message of fraternity. It even features a song by Lata Mangeshkar.
2. Kahi Debe Sandesh (1965)
This was the first Chhattisgarhi film to earn praise from former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Directed by Manu Nayak, this 1965 black-and-white film remains timeless. It portrays an inter-caste love story between Roopa, an upper-caste girl, and Nayandas, a Satnami boy. Despite societal resistance, the film boldly explores social reform and equality. It also showcases the traditional Sua Dance, a Chhattisgarhi folk art form. The movie includes the classic Mohammed Rafi song Tor Pairi Ke Jhanjhar.
3. Mor Chahiya Bhuiya (2000)
Written, directed, and produced by Satish Jain—known for his script works in “Hadh Kar Di Aapne” and “Dulaara”—this film was a massive hit upon release and marked the first color Chhattisgarhi film. The story revolves around two brothers: Kartik, brash and carefree, and Uday, responsible and idealistic. Their contrasting personalities and intertwined love stories provide ample drama, humor, and emotion. The film also emphasizes returning to one’s roots and valuing family.
4. Mahu Deewana Tahu Deewani (2010)
A college-centered family drama starring Sangita and Sabbat. Sanjay, a top student, falls in love with Sangita, a poor but determined girl. An unexpected marriage before graduation changes their lives. As Sanjay succeeds in his career, the couple faces a new challenge—Sangita’s inability to conceive. The film captures the Teeja-Pola festival beautifully and includes a Dostana-like love triangle subplot.
5. Laila Tip Top Chala Anguthachap (2012)
Radhey, Udho, and Madhav are three brothers. Radhey, an illiterate farmer, struggles to find a bride and moves to Mumbai. Meanwhile, Rani, a rich young woman uninterested in marriage, must get married to claim her inheritance after her father’s death. Her deceptive plan leads her to Radhey, who is wrongfully accused of a murder case. The story deepens as hidden truths come to light, allowing Radhey’s integrity to take center stage. The film beautifully captures the vibrant spirit of Holi celebrations in Chhattisgarh. Karan Khan brings charm and strength to the role of the hero, while Shikha Chitambare delivers a standout performance as Rani.
6. Mayaa (2009)
Anuj Sharma stars as Lakhan, a devoted younger brother to Bharat, played by Prakash Awasthi. Jyoti, Lakhan’s colleague and the daughter of Bharat’s rival Bhola Ram, falls for him, complicating family dynamics. Sanjay Mahanand provides comic relief as Bhola Ram’s son. The story explores family loyalty, infertility, and societal expectations. With themes of justice, politics, and emotional resilience, “Mayaa” captures the essence of Chhattisgarhi storytelling.
7. Pardesi Ke Maya (2019)
Opening with the now-iconic state song Arpa Pauri Ke Dhar Mahanadi Hai Apar, this film follows Sukrit, who falls for Lakshmi. After Lakshmi’s death, Sukrit lovingly raises her daughter, Roopa, as his own. Years later, the free-spirited and defiant Roopa falls in love with an engineer, setting the stage for unexpected revelations. As long-buried family secrets emerge, the narrative unfolds into a poignant journey of identity, love, and belonging. Directed by Prem Chandrakar, the film features Sanjay Batra in a key role.
8. Prem Suman (2016)
Told with the lyrical grace of folklore, the story of Prem Suman follows lovers portrayed by Mann Qureshi and Anukriti Chouhan, torn apart by an age-old family feud. Their brothers, once bound by friendship, now stand as bitter enemies, and the young couple must bridge this generational rift to be together. With its breathtaking cinematography, evocative costumes, and deeply felt storytelling, the film echoes the timeless tragedies of Heer–Ranjha and Laila–Majnu.
Special Mention:
“Bhulan The Maze,” directed by Manoj Verma and based on the novel Bhulan Kanda, has received international recognition at festivals in California, Italy, and Kolkata.
Honorable Mentions:
“Has Jhan Pagli Phas Jabe” – A lively entertainer that draws from South Indian cinematic style featuring Mann Qureshi and Anukriti Chouhan.
“Maya Dede Maya Lele” – A love triangle tackling class and social conformity, with cameos by folk legend Padma Shri Mamta Chandrakar.
“Jhan Bhulo Maa Baap La” – A moving story emphasizing the importance of parents across the journeys of three brothers.
Although films released in this region cater to a relatively small audience, they still lack a distinctive, unifying voice—one that truly embodies and elevates the spirit of the Chhattisgarhi people. Much of Chollywood appears to draw its aesthetic and narrative cues from the mall culture dominant in the urban centers of Durg, Raipur, Rajnandgaon, and Bilaspur. As a result, the vast rural heartland of Chhattisgarh remains largely invisible on screen.
Equally absent is the rich cultural presence of the state’s tribal communities, who form an integral part of its identity. The industry, as it stands, has yet to produce a visionary filmmaker—a Satyajit Ray, an Adoor Gopalakrishnan, or a Nagraj Manjule—capable of shaping a bold, authentic cinematic language rooted in Chhattisgarh’s soil.
