A new chapter in Chhattisgarh’s creative and cultural journey began today with the foundation stone laying (Bhoomi Poojan) of the Chitrotpala International Film City and Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre, by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai.
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 the 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 Shri 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.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, ministers, legislators and senior officials of the Government of Chhattisgarh, along with prominent industry representatives. Veteran filmmaker and director Shri Anil Sharma was also present at the ceremony, lending strong industry support to the vision of developing Chhattisgarh as a serious filmmaking destination.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said, “There has long been a demand from the people of the 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 ₹150 crore in the first phase and ₹250–300 crore in later phases. It should take us about two years to fully develop this dream project.”
Mr. Tarun Rathi, Concessionaire of Chitrotpala International Film City, 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.”
Once completed, the integrated development is expected to position Naya Raipur as the first fully equipped international film city of India as a vibrant hub for films, exhibitions, conventions and cultural exchange, while directly supporting skill development, entrepreneurship and local livelihoods across Chhattisgarh.