By Our Staff Reporter
DEHRADUN, 27 Aug: While shooting for their upcoming Bollywood film, “Hisaab” (starring Shefali Shah and Jaideep Ahlawat) in Dehradun, film producer-director Vipul Amrutlal Shah and actress Shefali Shah visited Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at his residence today.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah is a well-known film producer and director, with notable films such as Aankhen, Singh is Kinng, Namaste London, Namaste England, The Kerala Story, and Bastar. Shefali Shah is currently in the limelight for her lead role in the web series Delhi Crime and has delivered significant performances in various Hindi films.
Shah praised the new film policy of Uttarakhand 2024 as highly film-friendly and expressed gratitude to Dhami. He stated that the new policy would further promote film shooting in Uttarakhand.
During the meeting, Shah commended the Uttarakhand Film Development Council (UFDC) for its single-window system and straightforward shooting permit process. He described Uttarakhand as a film-friendly destination compared to other states, highlighting the ease of shooting and the support received from local people. He noted that the new film policy has generated excitement among filmmakers.
Shah mentioned that, in their new film, which is a comedy suspense, Shefali Shah and actor Jaideep Ahlawat are the main stars. Over 60% of the support crew for the three-day shoot was sourced locally.
Chief Minister Dhami wished Shah and Shefali Shah success for their film and affirmed the government’s commitment to the development of all areas related to film production. He noted that film production would boost direct employment opportunities and strengthen tourism in the state. The process of identifying and promoting new shooting destinations with the help of the tourism department has also begun to showcase lesser-known tourist spots of Uttarakhand through films.
Director General, Information, Banshidhar Tiwari, mentioned that the new film policy includes increased grants for films and web series released on OTT platforms.
The meeting was attended by the CEO of the Film Development Council and Director General of Information, Banshidhar Tiwari, Joint CEO of the Film Development Council, and Joint Director of Information, Dr Nitin Upadhyay.
It is worth noting that there has been a surge in film and web series shootings in the state recently. Anupam Kher’s banner, “Anupam Kher Studio,” completed shooting the film, Tanvi The Great, in Lansdowne, which lasted 36 days. Raj Shaandilya’s film Viky Vidya Ka Wo Wala Video was completed in March and stars Rajkummar Rao and Tripti Dimri. Additionally, Do Patti, featuring Kajol and Kriti Sanon, completed shooting in December, with its teaser now available on Netflix.
Uttarakhand-shot web series Gyarah Gyarah is available on Zee5, featuring Raghav Juyal from Uttarakhand in a lead role. Zee5 also streams the film Rautu Ka Raj, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The web series Life Hil Gayi is available on Disney Hotstar, featuring many local Uttarakhand artists. Amit Sial’s film Tikdam premiered on Jio Cinema Premium on August 23.
Films shoots in regional languages have increased
By Our Staff Reporter
DEHRADUN, 27 August: Since January 2024, over 150 shooting permits have been issued through the Uttarakhand Film Development Council’s online portal “Single Window System”. All district magistrates and police superintendents are being informed regarding film permits. The film policy includes provisions for waiving fees by departments under the Uttarakhand government, except protected forest areas. It also promotes lesser-known shooting destinations in the state.
The Uttarakhand Film Policy 2024 provides up to 50% subsidy or a maximum of Rs 2 crore on expenses incurred for film production in regional languages. For Hindi and languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, it offers up to 30% or a maximum of Rs 3 crore. Additionally, subsidies are available for short films, documentaries, OTT, and web series, and provisions for film city and film institutes are also included in the new policy.
