UP Govt declares cow-protection film Godaan tax-free

The Uttar Pradesh government has declared the recently released Hindi film Godaan , which focuses on cow protection and conservation, tax-free across the state, a move aimed at encouraging wider public viewing and promoting awareness on the subject.

The decision will make movie tickets cheaper for audiences in Uttar Pradesh, as entertainment tax will not be levied on screenings of the film. Officials said the move aligns with the state government’s sustained emphasis on cow welfare and protection.

Directed and produced by Vinod Chaudhary, Godaan explores the cultural, social and scientific aspects of cow conservation, while highlighting the role of cows in Indian tradition and rural life . The film was released nationwide on February 6 and has drawn attention for taking up a theme rarely addressed directly in mainstream Hindi cinema.

While cows have frequently appeared in Indian films as symbols of rural life, morality or devotion, cinema with cow protection as its central subject has been uncommon. Classic films such as Mother India (1957), Ganga Jamuna (1961) and Upkar (1967) portrayed the cow as part of agrarian culture and traditional values, but did not focus on conservation or protection as a social issue.

Similarly, mythological and devotional films have long depicted the cow as a sacred and divine symbol, especially in stories linked to Lord Krishna and Kamdhenu. However, these portrayals remained largely spiritual or symbolic rather than policy-oriented or issue-driven.

In contrast, Godaan places cow protection at the centre of its narrative, combining cultural reverence with contemporary discussions on conservation and scientific practices. Observers note that this clear thematic focus sets the film apart from earlier cinematic treatments of the subject.

The tax-free status granted by the UP government is in keeping with its broader initiatives related to cow welfare, including the establishment of cow shelters and stricter enforcement against illegal slaughter and smuggling . Declaring films tax-free has often been used by governments to promote cinema that carries a social or cultural message.

With the move, Godaan joins a small list of issue-based films to receive such support in the state, highlighting the government’s intent to use cinema as a medium for social awareness.