New film tourism policy to boost cinema and employment: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh has long been a favourite destination for filmmakers. Shooting in Madhya Pradesh has become even more attractive from a business perspective with the introduction of the state government’s new Film and Tourism Policy-2025. He emphasized that this policy would enhance the state’s global image by showcasing its beauty on the big screen while boosting the economy and generating employment opportunities. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav further remarked that the Golden Global Gate of film production and the tourism industry has been opened through the Global Investors Summit (GIS) in Bhopal. He highlighted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, during the inauguration of GIS-Bhopal, underscored the pivotal role of technology, textiles, and tourism in India’s development. By the year 2047, tourism is expected to contribute over 10 percent to India’s GDP.

New policy in GIS-Bhopal becomes the basis for investment of crores

The Tourism Department’s presentation of the new Film and Tourism Policy at GIS-Bhopal captivated film producers and key players in the tourism industry. They expressed confidence that the policy would create a more favourable investment climate in the state while fostering long-term growth in the sector. As a result, investment proposals worth over Rs 68 thousand crore have been received in tourism, film tourism, and the hospitality sector. This massive investment is expected to generate 1.2 lakh new jobs, significantly boosting the state’s tourism industry.

New policy provides for financial incentives to filmmakers

The new Film-Tourism Policy has significantly increased grant amounts for the production of films and web series, making Madhya Pradesh a more attractive destination for filmmakers. Under the revised policy, the following grants will be provided: Rs 5 crore for feature film production, Rs 2 crore for web series production, Rs 1.5 crore for TV serial production, Rs 50 lakh for documentary film production, Rs 12 crore for international films and up to Rs 20 lakh for short film production. To avail of these benefits, at least 75 percent of the film’s production must be shot in Madhya Pradesh. The policy also emphasizes attracting investment for the renovation of cinema halls across the state. Additionally, a single-window approval system has been introduced for film shooting permissions, which has now been included under the Public Service Guarantee Act to ensure a hassle-free process for filmmakers.

Promotion of filmmaking in local languages ​​and themes

To promote regional languages and culture, the state government has introduced a 15 percent additional grant for films produced in local languages and dialects under the new policy. Priority will be given to films made in Malvi, Bundeli, Nimari, Bagheli, and Bhili. Additionally, a 15 percent extra grant will also be provided for films focusing on women and children.

Madhya Pradesh, a rising hub of film-shooting

Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a preferred destination for filmmakers. The state was honoured with the ‘Most Film-Friendly State’ award in 2022. So far, financial grants exceeding Rs 30 crore have been provided to 15 Hindi films, 2 Telugu films, and 6 web series. Major film and web series projects shot in the state include Stree-1 & Stree-2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa-3, Sui-Dhaga, Lapata Ladies, The Railway Man, Padman, Dhadak-2, Panchayat, Kota Factory, Gullak, and Citadel, among others. The growing craze for film shooting in Madhya Pradesh is driven by its breathtaking natural beauty and well-developed filmmaking resources.

Tourism in Madhya Pradesh is a global attraction

Madhya Pradesh truly stands out as a premier wildlife tourism destination, offering not just thrilling experiences but also emphasizing environmental conservation and harmonious coexistence with nature. The state’s commitment to wildlife protection is evident in the way animals, including leopards in Sheopur and even tigers in Bhopal, roam freely without fear. Madhya Pradesh is not only home to iconic species like cheetahs, tigers, gharials, and leopards but is also recognized as a vulture conservation state. With an increasing number of tiger reserves and rich biodiversity, the state is setting new benchmarks in ecotourism. Its diverse tourism resources make it one of the most sought-after destinations, not just in India but globally.

World-class infrastructure to be developed in tourist places with the new policy

Madhya Pradesh has world-famous tourist places like Khajuraho, Kanha, Sanchi, Orchha, Gwalior, Bandhavgarh, Panchmarhi, Amarkantak, Ujjain and Omkareshwar. Keeping in mind the tourism development, the state government has planned the development of world-class infrastructure in the Tourism Policy-2025, which includes golf courses, cruise tourism, wellness resorts, ropeways, museums, and light and sound shows.

Attractive proposals received for investment in tourism

The state government has received investment proposals exceeding Rs 5,000 crore in the tourism and hospitality sector. These include proposals worth Rs 300 crore from Amazon Prime, G-5, IHSOL, Treasure Group, ITC Hotels, and the Hilton Group. These significant investments are expected to provide a major boost to Madhya Pradesh’s tourism industry. Imagica World Entertainment Limited has proposed a Rs 200 crore investment for a water park in Indore. The Neemrana Group plans to invest Rs 20 crore to develop the historic Raja-Rani Palace in Chanderi. Additionally, Evolve Back Resorts has proposed a Rs 150 crore investment for a new wellness resort near Panna Tiger Reserve. Indigo has also expressed interest in expanding tourism facilities at Gwalior Fort. During GIS-Bhopal, a proposal was made to establish a ‘Rebel Museum’ in Chambal, modeled after England’s Robin Hood Museum. The museum would showcase the weapons and history of Chambal’s legendary bandits, making it a unique and intriguing tourist attraction.

Cruise tourism will increase with GIS-Bhopal

Ayodhya Cruise Lines has proposed an investment of Rs 70 crore for cruise tourism projects in Madhya Pradesh. Knowledge Mining and Engineering Works Limited has also proposed an investment of Rs 100 crore for cruise tourism projects as well as houseboats and water sports. Alchemy Cruise Lines Private Limited is planning to operate cruises from Kukshi (Madhya Pradesh) in the Dhar district on the Narmada River to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.

GIS-Bhopal to boost hotel tourism industry

Jehanuma Group of Hotels has proposed an Rs 18 crore investment to establish a premium hotel in Mandu. Treasure Group has put forward a Rs 600 crore investment plan to develop a luxury resort at Nazarpura Island in Khandwa, a mini golf course and resort near Datla Pahad in Khajuraho, and a golf course with a luxury resort near Sanchi. IHCL has proposed an investment of Rs 1,960 crore to set up five new units across various national parks: Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, and Pench. ITC Hotel Private Limited has planned a Rs 250 crore investment for the development of ITC Heritage Hotels at Lunera Castle in Dhar and Bhopal. MRS Group has proposed a Rs 200 crore investment to develop luxury boutique hotels at Mahendra Bhawan in Panna, Kyoti Fort in Rewa, and Singhpur Palace in Chanderi. Oberoi Hotel Group has proposed an investment of Rs 450 crore for a new unit at Rajgarh Palace in Khajuraho. Hilton Group plans to invest Rs 200 crore to establish two hotel units with a total of 254 rooms in Jabalpur and Bhopal.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has said that continuous efforts are being made to enhance tourism infrastructure, improve connectivity, and provide an unforgettable experience for visitors in Madhya Pradesh. He highlighted that the state’s new Film and Tourism Policy-2025 will play a crucial role in establishing Madhya Pradesh as a premier destination for tourism and filmmaking. This policy is expected to drive economic investment, generate employment opportunities, and boost both the tourism and film industries. Additionally, it will provide global recognition to local artists, promote regional languages, and showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage on an international platform.