Punjab Announces Ambitious Film City Project, Engages Top Production Houses
In a significant move to bolster its media and entertainment sector, Punjab is planning to establish a state-of-the-art Film City, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann revealing on Sunday that talks have been initiated with leading production houses. The announcement came during the Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit, where Mann emphasized the state's strong cultural ties to Bollywood and its potential as a filming hub.
Collaborations with Industry Giants Underway
Mann disclosed that discussions are currently underway with global streaming giant Netflix, music and film production company T-Series, renowned studio Yashraj Films, and a production firm associated with actor Shekhar Suman. These collaborations aim to explore opportunities for filmmaking and content creation within Punjab, leveraging the state's scenic locations and cultural richness.
The chief minister highlighted the deep-rooted Punjabi influence in Bollywood, noting that many producers, singers, and actors, such as Mohammed Rafi, Sukhwinder Singh, Jaspinder Narula, Diljit Dosanjh, Raj Kapoor, and Dharmendra, hail from the region. "Without a Punjabi song, filmmakers feel their film's music is incomplete or risky because Punjabis are spread across the world," Mann stated, underscoring the global appeal of Punjabi culture.
Scenic Locations and Economic Benefits
Punjab offers a variety of picturesque settings suitable for film shoots, including mustard fields, dams, and vibrant cultural backdrops like bhangra and giddha. Mann cited iconic films such as ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ and ‘Veer Zaara’ as examples of movies based on Punjabi settings. "We have beautiful locations in Punjab where films can be shot. If filmmakers come here to shoot, post-production work could also be done here," he added.
The proposed Film City will be developed after consulting filmmakers on essential requirements, including:
- Locations and infrastructure tailored to industry needs.
- Advanced equipment and technological facilities.
- Integration of latest AI-based technologies in filmmaking.
Mann emphasized the project's potential to generate employment, particularly indirect jobs, while boosting state revenue. "Govt wants revenue while filmmakers want a good environment and proper facilities. We want them to come here, work here and generate revenue," he explained.
Incentives Under Punjab Film Promotion Policy 2026
Invest Punjab CEO Amit Dhaka outlined the provisions of the Punjab Film Promotion Policy 2026, which includes attractive subsidies to attract filmmakers:
- A 25% capital subsidy on production costs incurred in Punjab, up to Rs 3 crore per film, documentary, or web series.
- Punjabi-language films will receive a higher subsidy of 30%, up to Rs 3.5 crore.
- A 20% capital subsidy for establishing film cities, studios, VFX facilities, and training institutes.
Dhaka noted that despite Punjab comprising only 1.5% of India's land area and 2% of its population, it has a substantial cultural footprint. The state aims to streamline processes through a single-window online permission system and incentives to draw filmmakers.
Growth in Media and Entertainment Sector
The media and entertainment industry in Punjab is poised for significant growth, with Punjabi content already accounting for approximately 40% of digital and OTT platforms. OTT Chaupal MD Sandeep Bansal projected that Punjab's OTT ecosystem could expand into a Rs 2,000-crore industry within the next four to five years, highlighting the region's potential as a content creation powerhouse.
This initiative aligns with Punjab's broader strategy to capitalize on its cultural strengths and scenic assets, positioning the state as a premier destination for film production and entertainment ventures in India.
