New film city in Nashik to mirror Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri

The Maharashtra government has approved the establishment of a new film city in Igatpuri, a picturesque hill town in Nashik district, approximately 150 km from Mumbai. This development is modeled after Mumbai's renowned Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri in Goregaon and aims to bolster the state's position as a hub for film and television production.

Strategic location and infrastructure

Igatpuri, known for its scenic beauty and accessibility via the Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Highway, offers a conducive environment for film production. The state government has sanctioned 54.58 hectares of government land in Mundegaon village for this project. The revenue department has been directed to transfer this land to the Department of Cultural Affairs to facilitate the development.

The proposed film city is expected to feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including indoor studios, outdoor sets, and facilities for filming movies and television shows. This initiative is part of the state's broader strategy to create a dynamic cinematic hub that supports all facets of film production and attracts filmmakers from across the country.

Feasibility studies and financial planning

A feasibility study for the project was conducted by the Dadasaheb Phalke Film City Corporation in collaboration with MITCON, a technical consulting organization. The Maharashtra Film and Cultural Development Corporation reviewed this study to assess the project's viability. To further evaluate the financial aspects, global consultancy firm KPMG has been appointed to conduct a financial viability and gap analysis, with a report expected by the end of November.

Government support and development plans

The project has received strong backing from key state officials. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, have been instrumental in advancing this initiative. Minister Shelar has emphasized the department's support for the establishment of the film city and has instructed the appointment of a project management consultant to oversee the proposal's progression.

Additionally, Nashik Divisional Commissioner Dr. Praveen Gedam has proposed the inclusion of an amusement park alongside the film city to attract visitors and enhance the region's tourism appeal.

Historical context and future prospects

The concept of a film city in Nashik is not new. In 2009, under the Nashik Division Development Programme, the government sanctioned Rs 10 crore for creating a film hub in the region. However, progress has been slow due to various challenges, including land acquisition issues and financial constraints. The current initiative reflects renewed efforts to realize this vision and capitalize on the region's cinematic legacy. If successfully developed, the Igatpuri film city could serve as a significant addition to Maharashtra's entertainment infrastructure, providing state-of-the-art facilities for filmmakers and contributing to the local economy through tourism and employment opportunities.