Chandigarh, May 19 – In a significant move to promote film production in the state and preserve Haryana’s rich folk culture, the Haryana Government on Monday provided incentives to six filmmakers under the Haryana Film Policy. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini gave the incentive to the six filmmakers.
In a grand ceremony held on Monday, the Chief Minister gave a draft of Rs. 2 crore each to four films selected by the Governing Council. These films include Chhalaang, Tera Kya Hoga Lovely, Teri Meri Gal Ban Gayi, and Fuffad Ji. Besides this, the film Dada Lakhmi Chand received an incentive of Rs. 1 crore, and the movie 1600 Meter was given Rs. 50.70 lakh as incentive.
Renowned actress Smt. Mita Vashisht, Actors Sh. Yashpal Sharma, Sardar Ammy Virk, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Preeti Sapru, Sumitra Hooda, Usha Sharma, and many other artists, filmmakers, and people associated with the film industry graced the event.
Government’s aims to make Haryana India’s Next Film Hub
Speaking on the occasion Sh. Nayab Singh Saini stated that many films have already been produced in Haryana and have been well appreciated by the public. This prompted the government to launch a clear and visionary film policy for the first time. The aim is to preserve the state’s rich folk culture and promote it through the medium of cinema. With single-window shooting permissions and subsidy incentives under this policy, Haryana is carving a niche for itself in the film industry, just like in other sectors. This will not only harness the creative potential of Haryana’s youth but has also begun to attract several filmmakers to the state for their ventures. The government is determined to transform Haryana into India’s next film hub, said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister appealed to filmmakers to support the effort of transforming Haryana into a hub for film production, assuring that the Haryana Government stands with them at every step.
Cinema is the most impactful medium for the younger generation, making it essential to ensure access to quality films
He emphasized that cinema is the most impactful medium for the younger generation, making it essential to ensure access to quality films. It is said that cinema may not change society directly, but good cinema can change individuals and individuals can change society, he remarked.
The Chief Minister said that the Indian film industry is a vast sector providing direct and indirect employment to around 4 lakh people. Approximately 2,000 films are produced annually in India, spanning Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Kannada, Bengali, Malayalam, and other regional languages. We want Haryana to emerge as a major hub in this dynamic film landscape, he said.
Film Cities to be Developed in Pinjore and Gurugram
The Chief Minister said that the government has decided to establish Film Cities in the state in two phases. In the first phase, a Film City is being developed on 100 acres of land in Pinjore, district Panchkula. The land has already been finalized, and the process of appointing a consultant is underway. In the second phase, a Film City will be developed in Gurugram, where the land identification process is currently in progress. Additionally, discussions are being held with Prasar Bharati to begin broadcasting Haryanvi films once a week on Doordarshan, shared Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
He further shared that Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (SUPVA) will be entrusted with the responsibility of starting film-making courses in every university in Haryana. Moreover, in collaboration with the Education Department, SUPVA will also work toward introducing theatre education in every school.
The Chief Minister said that Haryana is more than just a political and administrative entity, it is distinguished by its cultural richness, natural beauty, valorous traditions, and proud way of life. Haryana’s culture is not only vibrant and its folk arts diverse, but its brave soldiers and athletes have brought glory to the state on the global stage. As a result, Bollywood producers and directors have increasingly found Haryanvi backdrops and storylines compelling. He further said that the land of Haryana has given birth to many great artists who have excelled in cinema, acting, and various other fields.
The Chief Minister emphasized that while the government’s goal is to promote Haryanvi films and culture, it also aims to position the state as an attractive destination for film production, not just for Bollywood, but for Hollywood and filmmakers around the world. Beyond filmmaking, Haryana also seeks to become a distinguished brand in film editing.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini appreciated the Department of Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture for its commendable work in effectively implementing the film policy at the grassroots level. He said that a Haryana Film Promotion Cell has been established to bring this policy to the ground. This cell will promote Haryana as a preferred destination for filmmaking, develop the necessary infrastructure, and recommend concessions, incentives, and support for the growth of the film industry. In addition, a Haryana Film Promotion Board has also been constituted, he shared.
The Chief Minister said that the process for granting shooting permissions in the state has been made entirely online and transparent. Through this portal, film producers from any part of the world can obtain online approval for shooting in Haryana without needing to visit any office physically, he informed.
He said the primary objective of the film policy is to foster a thriving film culture in Haryana, making it a favored destination for film production while creating new employment opportunities. The film policy will aid in developing the infrastructure needed for the production, editing, and exhibition of films. The government will allocate a dedicated budget to promote the film industry.
The more we embrace our Haryanvi identity, the more international we become – Mita Vashisht
Chairperson, Governing Council, Smt. Mita Vashisht, expressed her gratitude to Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, saying that the formation of Haryana on November 1, 1966 was a historic moment, and today, under the Chief Minister’s guidance, a new history has been created by honouring filmmakers and those associated with the film industry, initiating the effort to make Haryana a preferred destination for films.
She said that making a film requires more than just a story, it demands knowledge of a region’s attire, culture, and lifestyle. The more we study our culture, the more deeply we can leave an imprint of Haryana’s stories in cinema. To promote Haryanvi films, she urged that single-screen theatres be reopened in both cities and villages so these films can find audiences and help in promoting Haryanvi culture.
She said that the more we connect with our Haryanvi roots, the more global our identity becomes, meaning that, if we truly internalize our culture and way of life, we can establish a strong Haryanvi identity on the international stage.
Making Haryana a preferred Destination for Film Shooting is the Aim of Haryana Film Policy – K.M. Pandurang
Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Sh. K. M. Pandurang, while welcoming Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, artists, and filmmakers, said that today is a special day. This event has been organized under the Haryana Film Policy to promote filmmaking in the state. He said that the objective behind formulating Haryana’s film policy was to encourage film shoots in Haryana and promote the local culture of the state.
He emphasized that when art receives support, a beautiful confluence of art and culture can be witnessed. With this very vision, Haryana Film Policy is working to promote films. He further said that Haryana’s dialect, tone, and culture are gaining recognition even in Hindi films. To take this further, the Haryana Film Policy was introduced. Under this policy, the government has implemented a single-window system for granting film shooting permissions. Haryana not only offers excellent locations but is also home to talented artists. The core aim of the Haryana Film Policy is to make Haryana a preferred destination for film shooting.
Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forests & Wildlife Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Additional Director (Administration), Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Smt. Varsha Khangwal, along with folk artists and film industry personalities from across the state remained present on this occasion.
