The dream of a national Film City is taking root in Raipur. In a landmark event at Chitrotpala, the groundwork for a 100-acre cinematic complex was initiated on Saturday, drawing top filmmakers and production houses from across the country.
At the heart of the celebrations was Anil Sharma, the visionary behind ‘Gadar,’ who envisioned this project on a grand scale. “Raipur’s Film City belongs to all of India,” he asserted passionately. “Let’s capture this dream through our lenses and create an industry that unites Hindi heartland states like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.”
Sharma painted a vivid picture of regional synergy. “Cinema must thrive in every state,” he emphasized. Raipur’s tribal roots and enduring musical traditions make it ideal, he noted, while Madhya Pradesh’s film enthusiasts have embraced hits like ‘Gadar’ and ‘Vanvas’ with open arms. “This land pulses with artistic energy— a Film City is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.”
The economic ripple effects could be massive. Sharma predicted an influx of productions from Odisha to Punjab, turning Raipur into a shooting destination par excellence. “Just as buyers trek miles for rare treasures, creators will flock here for superior resources,” he explained. “All it needs is seamless facilities.”
On the hot-button issue of OTT regulation, Sharma was unequivocal: “Censorship on streaming platforms should mirror that of theaters to uphold standards.” With this foundation laid, Raipur stands poised to emerge as India’s next big cinema epicenter, blending local flavor with global ambitions.