If five lead actors of a film are from UP, an additional subsidy (maximum amount) of Rs 25 lakh is paid. The current government has made the provision for grants to films in Hindi, English and country’s other regional languages as well,” an official said.
“Earlier, there was provision to give grants only to Hindi and regional languages (Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Braj, Bundeli). Film producer Kumar Mangat Pathak said, “The state has created an efficient online system to get approval for shooting.” According to the government, a single window clearance system portal (/en) has been created for online permission for shooting and for availing film subsidy. UP was awarded the ‘Most Film Friendly State’ at the 64th National Film Awards,” he added. During the opening ceremony of IFFI, filmmaker and director Karan Johar said, “Be it Lucknow, Varanasi or Kanpur, shooting in Uttar Pradesh automatically leads you to stories.” Film producer Boney Kapoor said, “I would like to see all my films shot in the Hindi heartland because there is no other place which has so much variety.” Member of parliament and Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan said, “Apart from Hindi and Bhojpuri, UP is also witnessing shooting of films in Tamil, Telugu and other regional languages of the country.” Actor Akshay Kumar, whose ‘Jolly LLB 2’ was shot in the state, said, “It’s always a pleasure working in Uttar Pradesh.” Deputy director, UP Film Bandhu, Dinesh Sehgal said: “Considering the immense scope of film shooting in UP, the Yogi Adityanath government’s film development policy focuses on two aspects – that shooting will promote cultural, mythological, historical heritage and glorious traditions within the country and abroad, and that it will generate employment for the youth.” “Under the new film policy, artists and producers from UP and other states are being provided a comfortable environment. Production houses making films in Tamil, Telugu and other regional languages are also opting for UP.
The recognition for the state came during the 52nd International Film Festival of India underway in Goa. LUCKNOW: Giving a boost to efforts for setting up of Film City in the state, famous Bollywood personalities like Karan Johar, Akshay Kumar, Boney Kapoor and Ravi Kishan have hailed Uttar Pradesh as a favourable destination for film shooting in the country.