The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board hosted a knowledge session at the ongoing 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, showcasing the state's film shooting facilities and its Film Tourism Policy.
Amar Kaushik Teases Multiple 'Stree' Sequels in Madhya Pradesh
Film director Amar Kaushik revealed exciting news during the session: the popular horror-comedy franchise Stree will continue with multiple sequels. Kaushik confirmed that the upcoming films will be shot primarily in Madhya Pradesh, which has become a preferred filming destination due to its diverse landscapes and generous incentives. The original Stree, initially intended to be filmed in Goa, was ultimately set in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, as Kaushik sought to avoid horror clichés and opted for a city setting rather than traditional locations like haunted houses or beaches.
The Stree franchise, which began with the 2018 hit and continued with the recent Stree 2, has been both commercially successful and critically acclaimed for its blend of humor, horror, and social commentary.
Film Tourism Policy 2.0 Launch Soon
Principal Secretary Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla announced that Madhya Pradesh's Film Tourism Policy 2.0 is set to launch soon, incorporating feedback from filmmakers, industry experts, and stakeholders. The updated policy aims to further promote film shooting in the state by offering additional facilities and incentives to filmmakers, positioning Madhya Pradesh as India's top filmmaking destination. The government is also focusing on attracting international filmmakers, highlighting the state's unexplored tourist destinations, and creating job opportunities for the local community.
Madhya Pradesh: A Premier Destination for Film Production
Madhya Pradesh has earned recognition for its film-friendly environment, winning the National Award for Most Film-Friendly State in 2017 and 2020. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant wildlife, and spiritual landmarks, the state provides a visually stunning backdrop for filmmakers. The Madhya Pradesh government has established a Film Facilitation Cell to streamline film shooting processes, offering assistance to production companies and filmmakers.
Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to integrate film shooting into its Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA), ensuring that permissions for film shoots are granted within 15 working days. The state’s single-window system makes it easy for filmmakers to obtain all necessary permits, while the Film Tourism Fund supports the growth of the entertainment industry.
Financial Incentives for Filmmakers
The Madhya Pradesh government offers financial incentives for filmmakers shooting in the state. The incentive depends on the film’s budget and the percentage of shooting days in Madhya Pradesh:
- For the first film:
- Budget up to ?1 crore: 25% of production cost, up to ?1 crore, if at least 50% of shooting is done in MP.
- Budget between ?1-1.5 crore: 25% of production cost, up to ?1.5 crore, if at least 75% of shooting is done in MP.
- For the second film:
- Budget up to ?1.25 crore: 25% of production cost, up to ?1.25 crore, if at least 50% of shooting is done in MP.
- Budget between ?1.25-1.75 crore: 25% of production cost, up to ?1.75 crore, if at least 75% of shooting is done in MP.
- For the third and subsequent films:
- Budget up to ?1.5 crore: 25% of production cost, up to ?1.5 crore, if at least 50% of shooting is done in MP.
- Budget between ?1.5-2 crore: 25% of production cost, up to ?2 crore, if at least 75% of shooting is done in MP.
These financial incentives, along with the state’s picturesque locations and streamlined processes, make Madhya Pradesh an attractive option for filmmakers looking to bring their projects to life.