Jan 24 Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai laid foundation stone of Chitrotpala Film City and Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre at Tuta village in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar on Saturday. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, “There has long been a demand from the people of State for our own film city, which will help take stories from Chhattisgarh to global audiences. I am glad that the government is supporting this new world-class film city with Rs 150 crore in the first phase and Rs 250-300 crore in later phases.

 

It should take us about two years to fully develop this dream project.” Concessionaire of Chitrotpala International Film City Tarun Rathi said, “We are trying to support filmmakers with all possible equipment and a complete ecosystem so that producers and crews from Mumbai and across India can come to Raipur to shoot and execute everything seamlessly. The accessibility and the shooting friendly environment will help the filmmakers from start to finish.” Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal, Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Mona Sen, veteran filmmaker, director Anil Sharma, Secretary of Culture Department Dr Rohit Yadav, Director of Culture Department Vivek Acharya and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The project, touted to be India’s first world class fully equipped Film City, is created by Tarun Rathi, developed by Rajnandini Entertainment Ltd (REL) and Indradeep Infra Ltd, with vision of building a future-ready, end-to-end destination for cinema, culture and creative industries.

 

Designed in 95 acres in its first phase, the project aims to bring together cinema, culture, trade, tourism and livelihoods under one integrated ecosystem. Being developed under the Special Assistance Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Film City is envisioned as a long-term platform for creative professionals, artisans, entrepreneurs and local communities. Industry buzz around the project is already strong, with early discussions suggesting that upcoming major productions, including Golmaal 5, and various other films that are in the pre production stage may explore shooting at the Film City once operational. Adding strength to this vision is the involvement of India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML) and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). Dr Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML, and Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH, will play a key role in developing a comprehensive infrastructure that includes an Exhibition Centre, Convention Centre, Hotel, Mart-cum-Business Showrooms, Helipad and allied facilities. These spaces are intended to create sustained opportunities for local artisans, tribal communities, MSMEs and skilled youth, while opening new markets and visibility for Chhattisgarh’s indigenous talent.