Dehradun. Uttarakhandi folk music legend Garh Ratna Narendra Singh Negi has described the film ‘Meethi – Maa Ku Ashirwad’ as an unprecedented and original contribution to Uttarakhandi cinema. After attending the screening of the film with his family at Centrio Mall in Dehradun on Sunday, Negi praised the film’s bold focus on Uttarakhand’s culinary heritage. “Producer Vaibhav Goyal has achieved something really unique by centering the story around Pahadi cuisine,” said Negi, adding that the film is different from the Bollywood-influenced narratives often seen in regional cinema.
It is refreshing to see a film that captures the rich food culture of Uttarakhand on screen in such an authentic way. Meethi is an important milestone for Uttarakhandi cinema. Negi also praised the efforts of producer Vaibhav Goyal and director Kanta Prasad for their innovative approach. He believes that ‘Meethi – Maa Ku Ashirwad’ will play an important role in promoting the culinary traditions of Uttarakhand. He was accompanied by his wife Usha Negi and his son Kavidash Negi’s family for this special screening.
In recent weeks, a film has caught the attention and praise of cinema lovers across Uttarakhand. Meethi – Maa Ku Ashirwad has not only revived the regional film industry but has also become a topic of discussion among critics and audiences. The unique blend of culture, music and storytelling showcased in ‘Meethi’ has received an overwhelming response, cementing its place as a landmark achievement in the cinematic landscape of Uttarakhand.
Released on August 30 in five cities including Dehradun, ‘Meethi – Maa Ku Ashirwad’ has been well received by cinema lovers, witnessing packed screenings in theatres. The portrayal of Uttarakhand’s rich food heritage, with a contemporary approach to regional storytelling, has been well received by the audience. Both critics and audiences are praising the film for its take on traditional themes, high-quality filming and fine performances.
Film critics have lauded ‘Meethi’ for its balanced blend of entertainment and cultural depth. A well-known regional film critic said, “The film has touched the hearts of the audience by celebrating the essence of Uttarakhand through its beautiful portrayal of Uttarakhand’s food culture. It is a rare gem that manages to emotionally connect with the audience as well as educate them about their roots.”
Expressing his happiness over the positive response, the film’s producer Vaibhav Goyal said, “Since its release on August 30, ‘Meethi – Maa Koo Ashirwad’ has been screened daily in five cities and the audience response has been phenomenal. The encouraging numbers at the box office reflect the love and connection the audience has for the film.”
The film features local talent, with the actors delivering dialogues in the Garhwali language, adding to its authenticity. The Garhwali spoken in regions like Srinagar and Pauri has been preferred in the film, giving the audience a completely new flavour of the local flavour, which has helped them connect with the film strongly.
The highlight of ‘Meethi – Maa Koo Ashirwad’ is the exploration of the traditional cuisine of Uttarakhand, especially the use of millets. Speaking on the success of the film, director Kanta Prasad said, “Our aim was to generate interest in stories related to our culture and when people responded, it was an incredible experience. This is an important step towards taking Uttarakhand’s regional cinema forward and connecting more and more people to their heritage on the silver screen.”
Kanta Prasad also emphasised the need for filmmakers to explore contemporary themes along with cultural ones. “Films focusing on issues related to the people of Uttarakhand today can be made interesting and attract audiences to regional films.”
With its cultural richness, strong acting and authentic storytelling, Meethi-Maa Ko Aashirwad is not only a commercial success but is also being seen as a potential turning point for the future of regional cinema. Critics are calling it the spark that can revive the trend of Uttarakhandis to go to cinemas.
The film’s success is a testament to the growing interest in meaningful regional cinema, proving that stories rooted in local culture can find universal appeal and touch the hearts of audiences.
