Filmfare hosts a discussion on upcoming Film City in Uttar Pradesh

For six glorious decades and counting, Filmfare, India’s leading entertainment brand, has been the one-stop destination for all things Indian cinema. With a penchant for covering the latest developments in Bollywood better than no one else, Filmfare has always brought them closer to avid cinephiles who follow these larger-than-life personalities and the movies that continue to dazzle them. The latest and biggest development that is doing the rounds is the UP government’s recent announcement that they will set up a film city in Noida. With the news bringing with it a renewed sense of fervour and enthusiasm amongst the who’s who of the industry, Filmfare hosted a virtual conclave ‘Filmfare Talkies – Movie destination Uttar Pradesh and the Upcoming Film City’, held by Filmfare in association with Film Bandhu.

Moderated by Filmfare Editor Jitesh Pillaai, the session featured renowned filmmakers such as Nikkhil Advani (Director, Kal Ho Naa Ho), Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury (Director, Pink), Neeraj Ghaywan (Director, Masaan), Amar Kaushik (Director, Stree), South director Rajiv Menon, Amit Sharma (Director, Badhaai Ho), Actress Malavika Mohanan along with Aparna Purohit (Head of India Originals at Amazon Prime Video, India) welcome the move and share a consensus that the state, with the newly-launched film city, will not only put UP on the Indian film-making map but showcase the diverse and varied culture of the state in a whole new light.

Rajiv Menon, an established name in the South film industry and ad film making, said, “In addition to having a film city, UP should also work towards providing a platform that sees home-grown talent develop along with daily-wage workers finding employment. Collaborating with local talent helps a great deal in ensuring that the shooting process is hassle-free.” Amongst those on the virtual conclave who have shot in UP, actor Malavika Mohanan recalled an incident saying, “Shooting a movie with Rajni Sir in Tamil Nadu is never an easy task. What we did to overcome this was shoot in Varanasi because its topography is very similar to Tamil Nadu. In situations like such, having a film city can always help.” Speaking about his experience shooting in Varanasi, Neeraj Ghaywan said, “About 60 per cent of the locations in ‘Masan’ were from people’s homes. Though I am a Hyderabadi and also a Maharashtrian I also feel I am a UPite.” A very telling statement was made by Anirudha Roy Chowdhury who commented saying that the establishment of a film school as well will help people from all around the state be a part of the industry and see it prosper, “The school will help generate employment not just in that particular state but also for the kids who aspire to contribute to the film industry.” With a host of movies and web series off late being shot in the late, Aparna Purohit offered her insight into the development saying, “Most of the Indian Originals on Amazon have been shot in the cities of Uttar Pradesh because the writers think the state plays important role in the film.’’

Sharing his thoughts on the recently-held conclave, Filmfare Editor Jitesh Pillaai commented, “Having witnessed the awe-inspiring journey of Indian cinema for close to 15 years now, it was truly an enlightening experience for me to see different film-makers from across the country cast their eye on what would be the breeding ground for the film-makers, artists, technicians of tomorrow. With these directors being part of the countless films and web series being shot in the state, the rich culture and heritage that UP prides itself on will receive a much-added boost if the Film City gets built in the years to come. With animation, digital technology and other facilities being the need of the hour, we are all set to embark on a new chapter for the Indian film industry that will have a new film city with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure at their disposal. Having such eminent names part of a conversation showcases their love for filmmaking and their drive to take the respective film industries in the country and their films to greater heights.”