Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the country’s film tourism and shooting hub. Internationally acclaimed films shot in Madhya Pradesh have grabbed the attention of renowned film production houses and directors from both India and abroad. The recently released film ‘Stree-2’, shot in Chanderi, has earned a massive 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. Key locations in ‘Lapta Ladies’ include Bamulya, Semli, Dhablamata, Shikarpur and others. As the heart of the country, connectivity from all directions is easy. Improved road infrastructure and air services have made it more accessible.

 

The State Government has formulated a film production policy, recognising 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. 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.

 

There is a long list of notable Bollywood films shot in Madhya Pradesh, including ‘Kinara’ (1977), ‘Massey Sahib’ (1985), ‘Bandit Queen’ (1994), ‘Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya’ (1998), ‘Hota Tu’ (1999) 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. The State Government has also established a Film Facilitation Cell to promote the film industry and facilitate shooting. For filmmakers wishing to shoot in the State, a Single Window System has been introduced to streamline the approval process. 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 Rs 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. Also, attractive provisions are laid for TV serials, shows, web series, original shows, and documentaries.