Ultra Media & Entertainment Group announces the global release of Jadugoda, a stirring and thought-provoking short film that brings alive the struggles of tribal communities living around India’s uranium mines. The film will premiere on August 29 – the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, declared by the United Nations to raise awareness about the devastating effects of nuclear weapon test explosions and to advocate for a safer, nuclear-free world. Jadugoda will be releasing on Ultra Bollywood YouTube platform and Ultra Play OTT for worldwide audiences.
The film has already created waves on the international festival circuit, bagging the TATA – Best Short Fiction Award and the Samuel Lawrence Foundation Award for Best Young Filmmaker (Uranium) in 2024. It has also been showcased at renowned platforms such as Ecoproformance, Kaalimantan Indonesia, Kino Festival, Pune Short Film Festival, Signs Film Festival Kerala, and Stuttgart, among others.
Speaking about the film, Sushilkumar Agrawal, CEO of Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, said, “Jadugoda is a poignant reminder of how development often comes at an unseen human cost. At Ultra, we have always believed in supporting stories that not only entertain but also create meaningful conversations. Releasing the film on the International Day Against Nuclear Tests is our way of amplifying its message to a global audience because cinema doesn’t just entertain—it sparks dialogue, questions narratives, and gives voice to stories the world needs to hear."
Writer, Director Satish Munda explains, “Having grown up in Ranchi, barely 150 km away from Jadugoda, I was familiar with the haunting stories of this land. Once known as the ‘land of magic’ for its lush forests, Jadugoda turned into what many locals call a man-made hell when uranium mining began fueling India’s nuclear ambitions in the 90s. This uranium, the fodder for India’s nuclear dream, has also silently destroyed generations of tribals." He further adds, “Our short film does not take a political stand — instead, it seeks to spark dialogue around one vital question: is development truly possible without declination? Timed with a globally significant day, Jadugoda is more than just a short film — it is a mirror held up to society, urging reflection on the true price of progress.”
Rajat Agrawal, COO & Director-Producer, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, shared, “Jadugoda stands as another milestone in Ultra’s growing slate of thought-provoking projects, reaffirming its role in using cinema not just as entertainment, but as a catalyst for awareness and social impact. By bringing the film to a global audience on this important day, we hope to inspire dialogue, empathy, and change.”
