Taking a leaf out of the successful experiment in Gujarat, Karnataka is now all set to promote its many scenic locations as film tourism destinations.
These are to serve as not only shooting locations but also to draw tourists attracted by the glamour of films. The policy is expected to be presented in the next legislature session.
Gujarat — with a film tourism policy in place and veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan as brand ambassador — was named the most film-friendly State in the 63rd National Film Awards in 2016.
In its draft Karnataka film tourism policy, the Department of Tourism has identified 317 potential destinations. The draft policy promises a single-window clearance facility, dedicated web portal, footage of locations for international promos, and database of product facilities, hotels, and emergency services.
The draft will be placed before the stakeholders — Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy (KCA), Department of Tourism, and Department of Archeaology at both the State and the Centre shortly.
The Department of Tourism has also decided to run it through the KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler), an international auditing firm. Taking into account all the suggestions, a final draft will be prepared and tabled in the next session of the legislature, Minister for Tourism Priyank Kharge told The Hindu . “YES Bank, which helped other States in preparing the film tourism policy, has also made suggestions, which will also be considered,” he added.
“Karnataka has everything a filmmaker wants, except snow. We have a picturesque 320-km-long coastline, splendid waterfalls, reservoirs, and heritage sites, but these destinations have not been promoted via film tourism,” said Mr. Kharge. The idea is to also ensure higher footfall in the already identified destinations and to increase commercial activities, including film shooting by extending subsidy and incentives, he said.
According to S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu, chairperson, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, Karnataka has lost out to other States in terms of film shooting so far. The Tourism Department of Gujarat is aiming high to develop film tourism by creating state-of-the-art infrastructure besides promoting exotic locations, he said.
Favourite destinations
Ramesh Sipply shot his Hindi blockbuster Sholay in Ramanagaram. David Lean shot his Passage to India in Bengaluru and Ramanagaram. Among Kannada films, parts of Mungaru Male were shot in the green surroundings of Jog Falls and Nammoora Mandara Hoove at Yana.
More recently, the nondescript village of Nodekopplu in Mandya district shot to national and international acclaim as it served as a set for Raam Reddy’s Thithi . Many visited the village after the film became a great success, turning it into a tourism destination.
Bollywood films such as Coolie, Andha Kanoon, Ghayal, and 3 Idiots were shot in Bengaluru; parts of V. Shantaram’s Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje were shot at Brindavan Gardens; Pakeezah and Mard were shot extensively in Mysuru.
Melkote, Mysuru and Bengaluru have been favourite shooting destinations of filmmaker Mani Ratnam. His Pallavi Anu Pallavi, Thalapathi, Guru, and Raavanan were shot in Bengaluru. He also explored the landscapes of Badami in Guru .
Rajinikanth’s every film has a Mysuru location. His film Linga was shot in places around Sagara and Jog Falls. Parts of Jackie Chan’s The Myth was shot at Hampi.
Cinematographer and filmmaker late Balu Mahendra had a fascination for Bengaluru.
FICCI study
A study jointly conducted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and YES Bank has underlined the need to promote film tourism policy to encourage local job growth, offering tax breaks and fast track clearances.
The study has also laid out a five-point agenda for giving a boost to film tourism. Following this, in February 2014, the Ministry of Tourism recognised films as a powerful tool for the promotion of tourism destinations.
