Unmatched natural beauty of MP makes it a hub of film tourism

Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the country’s film tourism and shooting hub. Internationally acclaimed films shot in Madhya Pradesh have grabbed attention of renowned film production houses and directors from both India and abroad. The film “Stree-2,” shot in Chanderi, has earned business of over Rs. 600 crores and has given space for for “Stree-3.” The Oscar-nominated film “Lapta Ladies,” shot in villages in Sehore, exhibited acting talent of local theatre artists. The world-famous film “Lion,” made in 2016, was shot over 19 days in Indore, Ujjain, Khandwa, Khargone, Dewas, and Burhanpur. It was nominated for an Oscar and received several international awards. The film’s director, Garth Davis, expressed gratitude for the support from the Madhya Pradesh government and the tourism development corporation. Key locations in “Lapta Ladies” include Bamulya, Semli, Dhablamata, Shikarpur, Joshipur Ghat, Gunzari Temple, and Ichhawar Market in Sehore.

Nature has endowed Madhya Pradesh with abundant beauty, making it a paradise for film makers. As the heart of the country, connectivity from all directions is easy. Improved road infrastructure has made it more accessible. The enhanced air services have proved beneficial for the film industry.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has urged investors to invest in film projects in Madhya Pradesh. This will encourage local artists and reduce production costs due to the state government’s favorable policies.

The state government has formulated a film production policy, recognizing the needs of the film industry and the significance of its beautiful locations for shooting. Attractive packages are being offered to filmmakers. Madhya Pradesh is known for its excellent law and order due to which hassle-free film shooting is possible. The police and administrative machinery extend cooperation and the local people are helpful and friendly. These qualities have made Madhya Pradesh a well-known shooting hub.

Famous Bollywood Films in MP

Shooting in Madhya Pradesh has been ongoing since 1952. The first Technicolor film in India, “Aaan,” was shot in 1952 at the Narasinghgarh Fort in Rajgarh district, released simultaneously in 28 countries. Following this, some scenes of Raj Kapoor’s “Shree 420” were filmed in Shajapur in 1955, “Naya Daur,” was shot in Budni, Hoshangabad in 1957, “Mujhe Jeene Do” was filmed in Chambal region and 1963.

There is a long list of notable Bollywood films shot in Madhya Pradesh, including “Kinara” (1977), “Massey Sahib” (1985), “In Custody” (1993), “Bandit Queen” (1994), “Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya” (1998), “Hota Tu” (1999), “Bhopal Express,” “Asoka” (2001), “Maqbool” (2003), “Peepli Live” (2010), “Aarakshan” (2011), and the highly acclaimed “Paan Singh Tomar” (2012).

Similarly, films like “Toilet – Ek Prem Katha” (2017), “Bajirao Mastani” (2015), “Gangaajal-2,” “Politics,” “Stree,” “Panga,” “Mohenjodaro,” and the recent web series “Panchayat” shot in Sehore have gained immense popularity. With these films, the mesmerizing beauty of Madhya Pradesh has captured people’s hearts. Many films have been shot in locations such as Bhopal, Raisen, Mandu, Orchha, Khajuraho, Panna, Ajaygarh, Gwalior, Rewa, Amarkantak, Patalkot, Pench, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Jabalpur, Dhar, Omkareshwar, Ujjain, Asirgarh, Burhanpur, Dewas, Maheshwar, Indore, Pachmarhi, Tawa, Bhojpur, Sanchi, and Bhimbetka. Shooting is a continuous activity in the state.

Film Facilitation Cell

The state government has established a Film Facilitation Cell to promote the film industry and facilitate shooting. This cell will coordinate with film production companies and filmmakers, understand their needs, and suggest necessary policy changes. It will consider all applications for film production and grant approvals as needed. The cell will also review proposals to check eligibility for grants.

Single Window System

For filmmakers wishing to shoot in the state, a Single Window System has been introduced to streamline the approval process. The state government is supporting the entertainment industry’s growth by expanding economic activities. Efforts are being made to create more opportunities for stakeholders in the film sector. Events such as theme parks, selfie points, film festivals, and film awards are being organized to promote films. Tours for leading filmmakers from across the country are also being planned, along with identifying new locations.

Financial Incentives for Film Production

The policy also includes provisions for financial incentives for film production. Grants are available based on the film’s production cost. For films with a production cost of up to ₹1 crore, 25% of the total cost will be granted, provided a minimum of 50% of shooting days occur in Madhya Pradesh. For films costing Rs. 1.5 crore, the same 25% grant applies, but 75% of shooting days must be in the state. Similar provisions exist for the second and third films as well.

For the second film, a grant of 25% of the total cost is available for films up to Rs.1.25 crore, with at least 60% shooting in Madhya Pradesh. For the third film, a grant of 25% is available for films up to Rs. 1.5 crore, with 50% shooting in the state, and for films costing Rs. 2 crore or more, the grant remains 25% if 75% of shooting occurs in Madhya Pradesh. The aim is to showcase beauty of Madhya Pradesh, thereby promoting tourism.

More attractive provisions are laid for TV serials, shows, web series, original shows, and documentaries. For TV serials and shows, a grant of 25% of the total cost is available for productions costing up to Rs. 50 lakh, with at least 90% of shooting in the state. For TV serials costing up to Rs. 1 crore, a grant of 25% is provided if there are 180 days of shooting in the state.