Lights, Camera, Bihar: State Emerges as New Film Production Hub
“Light, camera, action…” These words are no longer limited to Mumbai or Hyderabad. Bihar, the land of knowledge of India, is now slowly becoming a part of the script of cinema. Due to the new film policy implemented by the state government, Bihar has become the new hotspot for film shooting. From Bhojpuri, Hindi, Maithili, Magahi to English films, shooting is now taking place on the soil of Bihar.
At present, 14 films have been given permission to shoot in the state, out of which shooting of many has been completed and work is going on on some. The shooting of these films has not only encouraged the film production sector of the state. But local tourism and employment have also got a new boost. Not only this, a documentary and short film festival is going to be held in the state very soon. For this, many films have been selected and the selection of many films is still going on.
First film set and studio
Bihar is now also developing permanent film production related structures. The state's first film set is being built in Valmiki Nagar, where Sagar Srivastava's Hindi film 'Tia' is being shot. Apart from this, Haider Kazmi Studio has been established in Pali, Kako, Jehanabad, where shooting of many films is going on. Kazmi himself is a famous actor and director.
Shooting is being done in these districts
Films are being shot in districts like Nalanda, Nawada, Gaya, Patna, Bagaha, Rohtas, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga and Jehanabad. This is benefiting these districts in terms of tourism and local business.
Shooting of 'Oh My Dog' / Senapati completed
Recently, the shooting of Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi's film 'Oh My Dog' / Senapati has been completed at various locations in Patna. Film production company Jar Picture LLP has also thanked Bihar Film Corporation for this cooperation.
Film education also started
Bihar Film Policy is not limited to shooting only, but it is also taking important steps in the field of film education and training. Recently, on the occasion of Bihar Day, a master class was organized by famous acting coach Hemant Mahor at Aryabhatta Gyan Vishwavidyalaya, in which a large number of youth participated. Along with this, a scholarship scheme has also been started for the students of Bihar studying in Pune Film Institute, Satyajit Ray Film Institute and National School of Drama. So far, a scholarship has been provided to one student Ashish Kumar and the process of many other applications is going on.
Grant Scheme: Assistance up to Rs 4 crore
Under the Bihar Film Policy, if a film does more than 75 percent shooting in Bihar, then it is given a grant of up to Rs 4 crore by the state government. This initiative has attracted many filmmakers towards Bihar.
So far these films have got permission for shooting
1. Sanghatia – Bhojpuri
2. The Long Journey Home – English and Bhojpuri
3. Bihar Ka Jalwa – Hindi (Documentary)
4. Suhagin Ke Senor – Bhojpuri
5. Life Leela – Hindi (Web Series)
6. Jindagi Beetwani Tohre Pyar Mein – Bhojpuri
7. Ghar Ka Partition – Bhojpuri
8. Naari – Bhojpuri
9. Rajni Ki Baraat – Hindi
10. Oh My Dog/ Senapati – Hindi
11. Tiya – Hindi
12. Sugni – Magahi
13. Chhath – Bhojpuri
14. Pen Brush – Hindi
This renaissance of the film industry in Bihar is not only becoming a new medium of creative expression, but is also opening new avenues for employment, technical training and tourism for the youth. It is clear that now Bihar is not just a land of literature and culture, but is emerging as a new laboratory of cinema.
In this regard, Information and Public Relations Officer of Art and Culture Department, Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh says that we are determined to develop Bihar as a strong film hub. The state government's grant scheme of up to Rs 4 crore is a decisive step in this direction. Bihar has always been a land of possibilities. I urge all filmmakers, technical experts, artists and cultural workers to realize their creative dreams on the land of Bihar.
