In an unprecedented move that is expected to significantly boost the state’s film industry, the Maharashtra government has declared the opening of its lands for free to filmmakers starting April 1. The announcement, which came on March 16, has been warmly received by film producers and trade analysts alike. With the new policy, Maharashtra aims to become the next big attraction for film production, enhancing its status as a location that is both creatively and financially appealing.
The heartening decision by the state government is set to revolutionize the use of government property as backdrops for storytelling in movies, documentaries, advertisements, and web series. The President of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Abhay Sinha, voiced his support for the move, emphasizing its potential to significantly lower production costs and inspire the growth of the film sector in Maharashtra. Sinha highlighted the pressure Maharashtra was facing as many producers were opting for Uttar Pradesh, attracted by the hefty subsidies it provides.
The government’s move has attracted productions, including the highly anticipated ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, to choose Maharashtra as their filming location. To streamline the process, producers can now access a single-window clearance for filming permissions across the state. While no fees will be levied for the actual shooting, a minimal security deposit will be enforced to ensure responsibility and maintenance of the premises. The deposit is set at Rs 40,000 for commercials, Rs 1 lakh for television shows, and Rs 2.5 lakh for movies and web series.
It’s worth noting that this policy is not applicable to well-established filming venues like Film City in Goregaon and the Film City in Kolhapur, which are likely to maintain their own tariff structures. However, the rest of the state’s picturesque landscapes and urban settings are on offer, promising filmmakers a broad array of locales for every storytelling need.
Abhay Sinha also pointed out the inclusivity of the policy, as it opens the door not just to Hindi and Marathi cinema but to regional language films as well. This wide-ranging inclusiveness speaks to the government’s vision of crafting a diverse and artistically rich cinema ecosystem within the state.
Trade analyst Atul Mohan shared his enthusiasm and praised Maharashtra for playing catch-up to other states that have already been proactive in drawing filmmakers with various incentives. States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir have implemented schemes to entice production houses, creating competitive environments advantageous to local economies and job markets.
The decision by Maharashtra is expected to create waves in the film industry of India, known for its prolific output and globally recognized as home to Bollywood. By eliminating shooting fees on government land, Maharashtra is not only inviting more investment into its economy but is also promoting local talent and infrastructure. The policy demonstrates a symbiotic approach where both the government and the film industry can gain substantial benefits.
Free access to exquisite shoot locations is forecasted to attract both big-banner movies and independent filmmakers who often work with tighter budgets. In the long run, this initiative may lead to greater employment opportunities, enhanced tourism, and a richer cultural footprint as the locales become immortalized on screen.
Beyond the immediate fiscal relief for filmmakers, Maharashtra’s policy points toward a future where Indian cinema diversifies and proliferates even more across the varied tapestry of its states. It is a step toward recognizing the value the film industry brings, not only in economic terms but also as a cultural ambassador on a global stage. With an even playing field now set by the Maharashtra government, the state’s free shooting policy from April 1 can be rightly seen as a masterstroke in the narrative of Indian cinema’s thriving saga.
