Scenic Uttarakhand perfect for film shooting

Uttarakhand – popularly known as the 'Land of Gods' is emerging as one of the best destinations for shooting films. The beautiful ambiance and pleasant weather had always appealed filmmakers, but after the Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat met some of the renowned film personalities under 'Investor's Summit' in Mumbai, things changed for the better. Trivendra was appreciated for his initiative, which has changed the perspective of entire film fraternity towards Uttarakhand.

Chief Minister met all the filmmakers present in the programme and asked them for suggestions on improvements that can be made in the state's film policy. Minister further informed that state government is preparing a favorable environment for the film industry in the state. Nature has blessed Uttarakhand with so many things. Everything related to nature, which a filmmaker wants to capture in the camera, is there in the state.

After taking suggestions from the producers and directors, the government will soon approve the new film policy, thereby opening the door to many big filmmakers. For attracting more and more filmmakers, fees for shooting movies have been waived off. Moreover, if any filmmaker applies for shooting in the state, he gets permission within seven days. As a result, six big Bollywood films have been shot in the state in the last six months.

"The Director of Baahubali movie S S Rajamouli surveyed the shooting places few days back and will be seen with their crew in Uttarakhand soon. We have also made provision of Rs 1.5 crore for the films whose 75 percent shooting will be done in Uttarakhand," he said, adding "We want that if a filmmaker comes from Mumbai for shooting, he should not have to bring a big team of technicians, spot-boy etc. We are planning to provide such skilled technicians at the local level, for which we have started the Film Appreciation Course in Dehradun."

Impressed by the film policy of Uttarakhand, this year, Uttarakhand was conferred with 'Special Mention Certificate for Film Friendly Environment' award during the National Film Awards.

Talking about the initiative, film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur said that this initiative of the state government is commendable. It is rare that a Chief Minister himself invites the filmmakers to come to his state. There is a lot of potential in Uttarakhand.

Filmmaker Narayan Singh said that he has shot Batti Gul Meter Chalu in Uttarakhand, in which state government has provided a lot of support. The quiet atmosphere and discipline he witnessed while shooting in Uttarakhand could not be found anywhere else.

Film producer Boney Kapoor also spoke of giving support to the Uttarakhand government. Renowned lyricist Prasoon Joshi said that the people of Uttarakhand are very sensitive. We all should work together to create such an atmosphere, which will create a friendly atmosphere for shooting in Uttarakhand.

On this occasion, Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh said that the state government will provide every possible help to film producers and directors. Secretary Information Dilip Javalkar gave information to the filmmakers about the facilities given in the Uttarakhand Film Policy. Also, he sought suggestions for making amendments in the film policy. Javalkar said that proposals are being prepared for investment in the film city and studio during the Investors Summit to be held in October.

Rishabh Chopra of Yash Raj Films, Sheel Nimbalkar of John Abraham Productions, Kulmeet Makkar of Film and Television Producer Guild of India, Parth Arora of Fox Star Studios, President of Indian Motion Pictures Producer Association T.P.Aggrawal, Producer-Director Hansal Mehta, famous singer Anuradha Paudwal, and several other renowned personalities were present in the programme.

Principal Secretary Manisha Pawar, Secretary Finance Amit Negi, Managing Director Saujanya, Chief Minister's Media Adviser Ramesh Bhatt and Industrial Advisor K.S. Panwar were also present in the programme.