Naya Raipur marked a significant milestone in Chhattisgarh’s cultural and creative landscape on Wednesday with the foundation stone laying (Bhoomi Poojan) of the Chitrotpala International Film City and Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre. The ceremony was led by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, signalling the beginning of what is being positioned as a transformative project for the state’s film, culture and creative industries.
The project, described as India’s first world-class, fully equipped film city, is envisioned by Tarun Rathi and is being developed by Rajnandini Entertainment Ltd (REL) and Indradeep Infra Ltd. Spread across 95 acres in its first phase, the development aims to create an end-to-end ecosystem integrating cinema, culture, trade, tourism and livelihoods.
The Film City is being developed under the Special Assistance Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and is planned as a long-term platform for filmmakers, creative professionals, artisans, entrepreneurs and local communities. Industry interest around the project is already gaining momentum, with early discussions suggesting that upcoming major productions, including Golmaal 5, and several other films currently in pre-production may explore shooting at the facility once it becomes operational.
Strengthening the project’s scale and ambition 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 components are expected to generate sustained opportunities for local artisans, tribal communities, MSMEs and skilled youth, while expanding market access and visibility for Chhattisgarh’s indigenous talent.
The foundation ceremony witnessed the presence of several senior dignitaries, ministers, legislators and officials of the Government of Chhattisgarh, along with prominent industry representatives. Veteran filmmaker and director Anil Sharma also attended the event, extending strong industry support to the vision of positioning 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.”
Speaking on the occasion, 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 India’s first fully equipped international film city, emerging as a vibrant hub for films, exhibitions, conventions and cultural exchange, while directly supporting skill development, entrepreneurship and local livelihoods across Chhattisgarh.
