Chhattisgarh: The Next Global Film Production Destination
Inauguration of a Visionary Project
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Chitrotpala International Film City and the accompanying Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre recently took place, with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai presiding over the event. This pivotal moment signals a strategic move by the central Indian state to enhance its infrastructure and establish itself as an attractive location for film and television production.
Phase One: Laying the Foundation for Growth
The initial phase of this extensive development spans 95 acres and is a collaborative effort led by Tarun Rathi through Rajnandini Entertainment Ltd. and Indradeep Infra Ltd. This undertaking benefits from the Special Assistance Scheme of India's Ministry of Tourism, underscoring the central government's commitment to supporting the creation of what is envisioned as India's first comprehensively equipped international film city.
Attracting Major Film Productions
The project is already generating considerable interest within the film community. Preliminary discussions indicate that the new facility could serve as a prime filming location for high-profile future productions, including potential installments of popular franchises like “Golmaal 5” and “Gadaar 3,” in addition to other films currently in pre-production stages.
Beyond Filming: A Hub for Culture and Commerce
The scope of this development extends beyond just film sets. Through partnerships with India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML) and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the project will also feature exhibition and convention facilities. IEML chairman Rakesh Kumar and EPCH chairman Neeraj Khanna are spearheading the creation of an exhibition center, convention hall, hotel, business showrooms, and even a helipad. These additions are designed to stimulate local economies, particularly benefiting artisans and tribal communities.
Industry Endorsement and State Commitment
The ambitious venture has received a significant endorsement from veteran filmmaker Anil Sharma, known for the successful “Gadar” franchise, who attended the inaugural ceremony. This presence lends considerable credibility to Chhattisgarh's aspirations in the filmmaking sector. The state government has pledged INR150 crore ($16.3 million) for the initial phase, with an additional INR250–300 crore ($27.2 million to $32.7 million) allocated by developers for subsequent phases of development.
A Dream Project for Global Reach
Chief Minister Sai articulated the state's long-held desire for a dedicated film city, emphasizing its potential to bring Chhattisgarh's unique narratives to a worldwide audience. He expressed satisfaction with the government's financial commitment, estimating a two-year timeline for the complete realization of this ambitious endeavor.
Comprehensive Support for Filmmakers
Tarun Rathi highlighted the facility's design as an all-encompassing production solution. He emphasized the goal of providing filmmakers with access to all necessary equipment and a complete support system, enabling producers and crews from across India, including Mumbai, to execute their projects seamlessly in Raipur. The focus on accessibility and a production-friendly environment aims to streamline the entire filmmaking process.
Diversifying India's Film Landscape
Ultimately, this project signifies Chhattisgarh's strategic effort to broaden India's film production landscape, moving beyond established centers like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai. By doing so, it aims to create new employment opportunities within the creative industries and related sectors, fostering regional growth and developmen