SOPS FOR FILMS PRODUCED IN UP

 

 

 

A year ago Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav announced sops for the Bollywood film-makers inviting them to shoot in the state and enjoy the facilities with tax benefits.

 

The response has been rather lukewarm, but in recent months more than half a dozen film projects have taken off, shooting at various locations in Agra region which includes the Shri Krishna-land of Mathura and Vrindavan.

 

Mathura-born Manoj Chaturvedi producer and actor known for  Dabangg (2010), Dabangg 2 (2012) and Policegiri (2013), shot extensively in Mathura and Goverdhan and now Shiv Shankar Sharma has announced his new film which will begin mid-November.

Incentives with tax benefits for shooting in Uttar Pradesh will draw many film makers who should find many attractive locations, says Shiv Shankar Sharma, actor, director and producer of the first Braj Bhasha film "Braj Bhoomi" which became quite popular in the Braj region. Shiv Kumar was in Mathura  for the muhurat of his latest film "Braj Bhoomi Ki Braj Bala."

The film will have music by Ravindra Jain who will also sing a couple of songs. Shiv Kumar an actor, producer and director made the first Braj Bhasha film Braj Bhoomi in 1982. His most successful film has been Lalluram in 1985. He got a break to act in Kishore Sahu's Poonam ki Raat in 1965. He later played the lead role in Hare Kaanch ki Chooriyan in 1967.

Shiv Kumar said after the recent incentives announced by the state government, a number of film makers are showing interest and studying the logistics. "The results will show in coming years."

UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav posted his views on Facebook some months ago "When Films shoot in Uttar Pradesh, they create jobs and increase tourism.  To encourage more films to shoot in Uttar Pradesh, we offer a subsidy of Rupees 1 Crore. Recently we distributed a cheque to Director Tigmanshu Dhulia and producer Rahul Mita for their film Bullet Raja, which was extensively filmed in Uttar Pradesh.  We are committed to give facilities such as tax rebates and financial assistance to films based on Uttar Pradesh's culture, tradition and lifestyle. This policy is in effect for any producer who films in Uttar Pradesh."

The offer of financial assistance to film makers who showcase  the state’s tourist attractions, linguistic diversity, culture and its myriad dialects in their movies, will have far-reaching implications. Uttar Pradesh has a rich regional culture and language. If showcased in Bollywood films, they will help promote tourism and culture.   The government will provide as grant 25 per cent of a film’s cost if it uses local dialects and is shot at least 75 per cent in the state, he had clarified.

No film maker can forget that UP has a huge chunk of film viewers, around 40 percent of a movie's collections in north India. Braj, Bundeli, Avadhi and Bhojpuri are the chief dilects in addition to Khadi Boli  in urban centres, each spoken by millions of people. The Uttar Pradesh government appears keen to lure more and more film producers with the incentive scheme for movies shot at locations in the state.

Allaying fears of film units the state government has promised full  security, and a friendly ambience for hassle free shooting. An official of the state information department said police protection to check crowd can be provided if requested.

In past few years a number of films have been extensively shot in UP as also TV serials. Notable are Omkara, Dabangg, Tanu Weds Manu, Ghoom Ketu, Guns of Banaras etc. A number of films have enjoyed tax exemptions also.

The Braj area is attracting a lot of filmmakers and TV serial producers, thanks to the exotic
locales, advanced studios, budding local talent and, of course, the iconic 17th century monument to love, the Taj Mahal.


"A significantly large number of young local artists have impressed Bollywood in the past few years, as the Braj region is now emerging as a happening cultural centre," Jitendra Raghvanshi, national general secretary of the Indian People`s Theatre Association said. "I think one reason is the growth of the hospitality industry with
better class hotels. Then you have a variety of exciting locations for for outdoor shooting.  The general ambience of the area has also improved, particularly in the tourist complex area."

In last two years several movies like Tevar, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Mausam and Ekk Deewana
Tha among others have been extensively in and around Agra. "Aisa Desh Hai Mera" was the first television show to be filmed at the Taj Mahal in 2006.  Sony TV filmed another show "Shubh Vivah."  The story revolves around a girl from  the Taj city  and a boy from Vrindavan.


Culture critic Mahesh Dhakar credits local talent for making Braj mandal a
popular destination. Priyank, who runs dancing classes in Mathura says "the potential is there and the interest that young boys and girls are taking in learning Bollywood dances, is simply amazing."

"From fashion photographer Pravin Talaan to actors Archna Gupta, Yuvraj Parashar, Satyavrat Mudgal to eminent poet Neeraj," said Dhakar citing some locals who have made a name for themselves. Sparsh Srivastav, who walked away with the winner`s trophy in children`s dance reality show "Chak Dhoom Dhoom", "Indian Idol 5" contestant Rakesh Maini and "X-Factor" participant Kartar Singh Yadav are also shining stars of the Taj city. Dance guru Anil Diwakar, who also hails from the city, has already made a global impact with his 60-member troupe in the US. Satyavrat Mudgal, who has acted in  a number of films like "Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya"
and "Bunty Aur Babli", says local boy Madhur Mittal put up a good performance in Oscar-winning "Slumdog Millionaire".

From Bateshwar in the south of Agra to Barsana in the west, the Braj region offers not only variety but untapped potential for the growth of the regional Braj Bhasha film industry, like the Bhojpuri, but people have to come forward and avail of the opportunities, says Mathura's cultural activist and author Dr Ashok Bansal.