(From left) Bhojpuri film actors Anil Yadav, Seema Singh and Haider Kazmi at the music release of Rangbaz in Patna on Wednesday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

Patna, April 13: Bhojpuri films and item numbers go hand-in-hand, irrespective of the film’s issue. Rangbaz, the movie based on Naxalism, has carried the tradition forward.

Food and consumer protection minister Shyam Rajak launched the film’s music CD — comprising nine songs — at a city hotel today. The film’s stars — Haider Kazmi, who is also the producer, Anil Yadav and Seema Singh — were at the launch too.

Kazmi said though the film deals with a serious issue, it was necessary to have songs for the Bhojpuri audience.

“I want the people to enjoy the film with a light dose of entertainment even as they watch a social issue-based film. People want to see such films but it is important how you present it to them. I know serious films have hardly any songs but one must not forget that we are dealing with the Bhojpuri audience here. So it was important to add this flavour,” Kazmi said.

He added: “The motive behind having nine songs in the film is that people should not be bored. The issue of Naxalism is very vast. It is not possible for everyone to understand its meaning. How many people are aware about the genesis of Naxalism and the reason behind it? I am sure very few people are aware about Charu Mazumdar, the man who started the movement at Naxalbari in Bengal. My aim is to convey the message to the people in an easy format.”

The film is set to hit theatres in the last week of May.

Rajak said: “Bhojpuri films is not only about entertainment. It also deals with serious issues like Naxalism and I am happy that someone has come forward to direct a film on this burning issue. The state government is trying its best to take the Bhojpuri film industry to the pinnacle.”

Anil, who plays the villain, said: “The essence of Bhojpuri films can never go from Bollywood. This is the reason many of their films have Bhojpuri dialogues. We want the state government’s support as most Bhojpuri films are shot outside Bihar. These states generate good revenue out of it.”

Actress Seema Singh said: “Item numbers are essential in Bhojpuri films. But the audience should take these as entertainment and not in any other sense. After all, we are artistes and we are doing it because there is a demand.”