Maharashtra CM attracts filmmakers to shoot in Maharashtra to Increase tourism

In order to give shape to the long drawn dream of transforming Mumbai into a global financial hub Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has decided to entice filmmakers to shoot in Maharashtra state, particularly in Mumbai and generate revenue through tourism. 

Hence to attract filmmakers Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has decided to scrutinize the loopholes preventing Bollywood filmmakers to shoot in the state. He has also decided to reduce the number of clearance that compels filmmakers to discard shooting in Maharashtra and move outside the state or foreign countries. 

Speaking at the Mumbai Next: MMR Transformation Conclave, eminent film and TV producer, Ekta Kapoor and star of millennium Amitabh Bachchan had reasoned why filmmakers overlook Maharashtra for shooting and preferred Delhi, Gujarat or shoot in foreign countries.

Ekta Kapoor had categorically said, “What is most disappointing is that, if a filmmaker has to just erect a set in Mumbai, he has to run from pillar to post to acquire about 146 permissions from the government authorities. In addition the rates charged by the state government are also exorbitant.”

To explicate her point she added, “The average cost of shooting for a day at Mumbai’s Gateway of India is Rs 2.25 lakh, whereas to shoot at the India Gate in Delhi is Rs 1.25 lakh. Hence filmmakers rush to Delhi, rather than Mumbai.” 

Valsa Nair Singh, secretary tourism and culture, Government of Maharashtra too enlightened the gathering how Singapore and Dubai have intelligently used entertainment as means to attract tourism and minted money. She informed, “What is paradoxical is that foreign nations like Turkey, Greece and Russia are minting money in tourism through Bollywood!” 

Parag Jain Nainuttia, managing director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), acknowledged about the filmmakers’ complaint regarding permissions for a single shoot in the state. He said, “We would look into to bring down the number of clearances to at par with what is required in other countries and cities.”