Team News Riveting
Raipur, January 24
A long-cherished dream of Chhattisgarh is now turning into reality. With the launch of the Chitrotpala Film City and the Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre, the state is set to strengthen its identity in film production at both national and international levels.
The initiative is expected to position Chhattisgarh as a growing hub for film-making and cultural events, while giving fresh momentum to the state’s creative economy. The Chitrotpala Film City and the Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre will offer local talent a national and international platform, create new investment opportunities, and further strengthen Chhattisgarh’s cultural presence globally.
The projects are expected to open new avenues for growth in the coming years for the state’s youth, artistes, and tourism sector. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said this while addressing the Bhoomipujan programme for both projects at Mana-Tuta village in Raipur on Saturday.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai performed the Bhoomipujan and laid the foundation stone for the projects amid Vedic chants and traditional rituals. On the occasion, he congratulated the people of the state, along with film artistes, producers, and directors, and extended his best wishes.
Chief Minister said the day held special significance for those associated with the acting and arts community in Chhattisgarh. Through Chitrotpala Film City, he said, thousands of talented artistes from the state will get an opportunity to showcase their skills. He added that local film-makers will also benefit from having all technical facilities related to film production available at one location. Expressing gratitude for the support received from the Centre for the Film City and the Convention Centre, he said that under the double-engine government, the state’s arts and artistes are receiving due recognition.
Along with the Bhoomipujan, Chief Minister Sai also expressed happiness over the receipt of four proposals by the concerned department related to film production and the convention centre. He said these proposals will accelerate film-making activity in the state and provide a platform for stories rooted in Chhattisgarh’s cultural and social concerns on the big screen.
Culture and Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal said the occasion is marking an important step for Chhattisgarh’s tourism and film development sector. He said this is not merely the beginning of a construction project, but the start of laying a strong foundation for the state’s cultural, economic, and creative future. He added that Chhattisgarh, with its natural beauty and cultural diversity, is well placed to benefit from this initiative, which is giving a new dimension to both tourism and the film industry. He noted that over the past few years, Chhattisgarh is emerging as a preferred destination for film-makers, and the government is working with a clear plan to complete both projects within the next two years and dedicate them to the state.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, MP Brijmohan Agrawal, MLA Anuj Sharma, MLA Indra Kumar Sahu, Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Sushri Mona Sen, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Chairman Neelu Sharma, District Panchayat Chairperson Naveen Agrawal, and Tourism Secretary Dr Rohit Yadav were present on the occasion.
Chief Minister Reviews Proposed Master Plan
During the Bhoomipujan programme, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reviewed the proposed master plan for the projects. He sought key details related to the construction work from officials and also watched a short film based on the project.
Tourism Department Receives Four Proposals
With the Bhoomipujan of Chitrotpala Film City, the Tourism Department received four proposals for setting up units related to film production and the convention centre. These proposals were submitted to the Chief Minister during the programme.
Producer Anil Sharma, associated with the film Gadar, submitted a proposal to shoot his upcoming film at Chitrotpala Film City. India Exposition Mart Limited Chairman Rakesh Kumar proposed the construction of an International Exhibition Centre and Trade Mart at the Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre. Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts Chairman Neeraj Khanna submitted a proposal to organise a world-class handicrafts and gift fair at the venue. AT Films Hollywood’s Ashutosh Vajpayee submitted a proposal to bring Hollywood films and streaming video content to Chitrotpala Film City.
Considering the strong potential for film tourism in the state, both projects have been approved under the Ministry of Tourism’s “Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres at Global Level” scheme. Under the scheme, ₹95.79 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of Chitrotpala Film City and ₹52.03 crore for the Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre. Both projects will be implemented under the PPP (Public–Private Partnership) model. In addition, private sector investment of around ₹300 crore is also expected. The target is to complete both projects within a two-year timeline.
Chitrotpala Film City and the Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre will be developed over an area of around 100 acres. The Film City is expected to encourage the production of local as well as other commercial films and web series in Chhattisgarh. The state’s natural landscapes, tourist locations, and rich cultural heritage make it highly suitable for film shoots.
The Film City will include sets depicting villages, cities and lanes, an airport, railway station, jail and police outpost, schools and colleges, temples and other public spaces. Facilities will also include a sculpture garden, shopping street, production office, studio, administrative building, and parking. Tourist-oriented attractions such as a toy museum, snow world, hotel, restaurant, multiplex and experience centre will also be developed.
The Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre will include a modern convention hall with a seating capacity of around 1,500 people, along with facilities such as meeting spaces, conference areas, banquet services, restaurant, guest rooms, gym, library, swimming pool, and an administrative block.
New Opportunities for Film Shoots, Festivals and Employment
In recent years, films and web series such as Newton, Jahanabad, Kaun Pravin Tambe?, The Great Indian Murder and Gram Chikitsalay have already been shot in Chhattisgarh, reflecting the state’s growing potential for commercial film production. Once the projects are completed, local artistes and technicians are expected to gain fresh opportunities. The scope for organising film festivals, award shows, and other entertainment events will also expand. The initiative is also expected to promote Chhattisgarh’s tourist destinations at national and international levels, leading to a significant rise in film tourism along with overall tourism in the state.
