In a pivotal discussion at the Chief Minister’s residence in Dehradun, director Madhur Bhandarkar met Uttarakhand’s Pushkar Singh Dhami to chart a bold path forward for the state’s film industry. The conversation centered on transforming Uttarakhand into a magnet for investments and a showcase for its cultural treasures through cinema.
Dhami painted a vivid picture of Uttarakhand’s assets: breathtaking vistas, varied geographies, deep-rooted traditions, and tranquility that filmmakers crave. The government’s ambitious agenda? Elevate the state to the undisputed leader in Indian film shoots, rivaling the best global locations.
Key to this vision is the industry-friendly film policy offering generous incentives like subsidies and exemptions. Permissions are now a breeze thanks to the single-window system, slashing red tape. Success stories abound—Bollywood blockbusters, regional films, soaps, and OTT content have all thrived here, drawn by iconic locations from alpine meadows to sacred shrines.
Uttarakhand’s ‘Most Film Friendly State’ accolade underscores its achievements. Ongoing developments include robust infrastructure and a digital location database brimming with diverse sites. Local employment is surging, with skill-building initiatives linking youth to film jobs as actors, crew, and more.
A film city project promises to keep production cycles local, while festivals will spotlight the state’s charm worldwide. Bhandarkar lauded the proactive stance and natural allure, hinting at future collaborations. Dhami wrapped up optimistically: these steps will fuel economic growth and tourism, with unwavering government backing for the industry.
