Kawan Kasoor Aims To Redefine Bhojpuri Cinema, Says Bharat Express CMD Upendrra Rai

The Bhojpuri film Kawan Kasoor premiered at the Grand Palace Hotel in Ghazipur, where Bharat Express Chairman, CMD and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai attended as the Chief Guest.

Bharat Express Group Managing Editor Radheshyam Rai has written and directed the film.

Addressing the audience and the film’s cast, CMD Upendrra Rai spoke about the global influence of cinema, the dignity of language, Indian talent and the role of cultural mediums in society. He said Kawan Kasoor is not merely a film but a long-term effort to bring a positive shift in the traditional approach of Bhojpuri cinema.

Drawing parallels with the United States, CMD Upendrra Rai said Hollywood helped establish America’s cultural influence after World War II and demonstrated cinema’s unmatched soft power. He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has also begun showcasing its national capabilities through films and digital media.

Speaking about Bhojpuri, Bharat Express CMD described it as one of the world’s sweetest languages with the ability to touch the human soul.

Recalling his early days after leaving his native village of Sherpur in Ghazipur for Lucknow in 1995, CMD Upendrra Rai said he never allowed language to become a source of inferiority and stressed that a person’s talent is defined by creativity, science, mathematics and the arts rather than language.

Referring to mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, CMD Upendrra Rai said cinema and digital media are helping introduce the stories of great personalities to younger generations while offering meaningful entertainment.

Film’s Message

Produced jointly by Bharat Express News Network, Banaras Talkies and Jayant Media, Kawan Kasoor features Raj Singh, Gunjan Pant, Sonalika, Sushil Singh and Lalitesh Jha.

Attendees appreciated the film’s social message, subject and technical quality, with experts saying it has the potential to challenge the perception of obscenity often associated with Bhojpuri cinema by presenting clean family entertainment.

During his address, CMD Upendrra Rai praised writer and director Radheshyam Rai, describing him as a naturally imaginative personality rooted in literature and cinema who has sustained his creativity despite a demanding career in journalism. He noted that Radheshyam Rai had suggested the name Bharat Express and highlighted his decades-long experience in journalism, literature and screenplay writing.

CMD Upendrra Rai said Kawan Kasoor reflects Radheshyam Rai’s commitment to promoting socially relevant and value-based cinema in regional languages, a mission he reaffirmed at the film’s premiere.