Raipur is on the cusp of a cinematic revolution. On Saturday, the foundation stone for a sprawling 100-acre Film City at Chitrotpala was laid amid great fanfare. This ambitious project promises to transform the Chhattisgarh capital into a powerhouse for Indian filmmaking.
Prominent figures from the film industry gathered for the ceremony, including renowned director and producer Anil Sharma, best known for the blockbuster ‘Gadar.’ Sharma didn’t hold back in his enthusiasm, declaring that this wouldn’t just be Raipur’s Film City—it would serve the entire nation.
“This is an extraordinary dream,” Sharma proclaimed. “I urge everyone to bring this vision to life on screen and build a magnificent film industry not just for Chhattisgarh, but for all of India. Imagine films from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and other Hindi-speaking regions flourishing together here.”
He highlighted the cultural richness of the region, calling Raipur the land of tribals with a timeless musical heritage. “People in Madhya Pradesh adore cinema,” he added. “From ‘Gadar’ to ‘Vanvas,’ Hindi films have a massive following here. This area is brimming with art lovers—making a Film City here is essential.”
Sharma outlined the project’s potential benefits: attracting shoots from Odisha, Kolkata, Mumbai, Punjab, and beyond. “Filmmakers will travel far for top-notch facilities, just like people do for precious gems,” he said. “Provide the infrastructure, and the world will come.”
Addressing concerns about OTT platforms, Sharma advocated for censorship similar to traditional films, emphasizing the need for responsible content across all mediums. As Raipur’s Film City takes shape, it could redefine India’s filmmaking landscape, fostering a vibrant hub for creativity and commerce.