Excitement gripped Raipur as the foundation stone for its ambitious 100-acre Film City in Chitrotpala was laid on Saturday. The event, attended by major film companies and creators, signals a new chapter for Indian cinema in the heartland.
Director-producer Anil Sharma, celebrated for ‘Gadar,’ stole the show with his stirring address. He reframed the project boldly: “This isn’t merely Raipur’s Film City; it’s India’s shared cinematic future. I implore all to film this dream and forge a powerhouse industry spanning Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Hindi belts everywhere.”
Delving into cultural context, Sharma celebrated Raipur’s tribal legacy and vibrant music scene. “Madhya Pradesh audiences shower love on films—be it ‘Gadar’ or ‘Vanvas,'” he said. “Art flourishes here naturally; a dedicated Film City will nurture it exponentially.”
Benefits extend far beyond borders. “Expect shoots from Kolkata, Odisha, Mumbai, Punjab—everywhere,” Sharma forecasted. “Filmmakers chase excellence like treasure hunters; equip Raipur with world-class amenities, and it becomes the go-to spot.”
Tackling OTT censorship, he insisted on parity with theatrical releases: “Streaming needs the same oversight as cinemas.” This initiative could catalyze a high-quality, international-grade film ecosystem, positioning Raipur as a beacon for collaborative storytelling across India’s diverse regions.