Maharashtra Eyes New Film Policy To Keep Shoots In State
Mumbai: Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar on Monday held a high-level meeting with Indian filmmakers on a new incentive policy to keep film production in Maharashtra. The minister directed the establishment of a three-member expert committee to examine incentive-oriented policies. He said the government is focusing on developing new film shooting centers across the state.
Mr. Shelar directed the committee to evaluate the subsidies, incentives and support systems currently offered by other Indian states and international destinations. The panel is expected to submit a comprehensive report within three months to address the various logistical and financial challenges faced by manufacturers and manufacturing companies.
The announcement was made after a meeting attended by senior officials and industry leaders at Sahyadri Guesthouse, chaired by Mr. Shelar. Representatives from Producers Guild of India, T-Series, Red Chillies Entertainment, Dharma Productions and Junglee Pictures attended the meeting.
According to the government, the meeting discussed the need to improve shooting infrastructure and policy reforms. Central to these discussions were the difficulties of filming in Mumbai due to ongoing urban development and the need for a more streamlined editing process.
Mr. Shelar noted that although infrastructure projects may temporarily impact traditional filming locations, the province is actively developing new centers to offset these restrictions. “Land acquisition for new film cities at Ramtek and Nashik has been completed and development has officially begun. Additionally, the state is targeting Kolhapur for creation of new shooting destinations, including setting up of a dedicated railway station. To further modernize the facilities, the government is exploring a hybrid model with private participation for Film City and providing support for the modernization of ND Studio,” he said.
The minister also said that to ease the administrative burden on filmmakers, the state’s ‘Single Window Clearance’ system has been converted into a fully online platform for all necessary approvals. In addition to infrastructure, the government is focusing on technical education by starting short-term FTII courses at Film City and setting up the Indian Institute of Creative Technology campus at the NFDC office. Future plans include development of over 100 acres in Mumbai’s Malad West area; This area will be integrated with the Coastal Highway and Sea Link infrastructure to increase accessibility for the creative industry.
