“The Narmada Story” Celebrates Madhya Pradesh’s Heritage, Calls Rise for Tax-Free Status

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: The much-awaited crime thriller The Narmada Story, which released on Friday, received an enthusiastic response across Madhya Pradesh on its opening day. Special screenings were organized in several districts, while a number of theatres reported packed shows and strong audience turnout.

A special screening was held at Cinepolis, Aashima Mall Multiplex in Bhopal, attended by college students, families of police personnel, and the film's lead actress and real-life IPS officer Simala Prasad. She watched the film with the audience and interacted with families and guests during the event. Actor Ishtiyak Khan, who plays a key role in the film, was also present at the screening.

The film has received positive reviews from critics, with several publications awarding it up to four stars for its engaging narrative and social relevance.

Police personnel and their families attending the screening appreciated the film's emotional depth, storytelling, and social message. Several local artists and industry members from Madhya Pradesh were also present and expressed pride in the opportunities the film has created for regional talent.

Shot extensively in Narmadapuram and surrounding areas of Madhya Pradesh, The Narmada Story has generated a strong sense of local connection among audiences across the state. Many viewers have welcomed the film for showcasing authentic locations and stories rooted in the region.

Director Zaigham Imam said the film holds special significance for Madhya Pradesh in several ways. "For the first time, so many artists from Madhya Pradesh have come together in a single project. The film uses real locations and actual place names from the state. It also brings to the screen a strong tribal woman character, something rarely seen in mainstream cinema. These elements make The Narmada Story particularly special," he said.

Actor Sharad Singh, who hails from Narmadapuram and plays an important role in the film, said the release has created a festive atmosphere in his hometown and surrounding areas.

"There is tremendous excitement among audiences. People are lining up to buy tickets, and the response has been very encouraging. We hope the government considers declaring the film tax-free so that it can reach an even wider audience," Singh said.

Special screenings were also held in Indore, Itarsi, Narmadapuram, Gwalior and Bhopal, where audiences appreciated the film's portrayal of policing, social challenges and human relationships. Many viewers described it as a film that successfully combines entertainment with a meaningful social message.

Inspired by real-life incidents, The Narmada Story is a crime thriller featuring Raghubir Yadav, Mukesh Tiwari, Sharad Singh, Ashwini Kalsekar, Simala Prasad, Anjali Patil, Zarina Wahab, Ishtiyak Khan and Sadanand Patil in prominent roles.