“The Uttar Pradesh government is rolling out attractive incentives to lure Bollywood filmmakers to its ambitious Film City project near Noida. With subsidies up to Rs 2 crore, streamlined approvals, and a world-class facility in the works, UP aims to become a filmmaking hub. The project, led by Boney Kapoor’s consortium, promises to boost local economies and employment.”
UP’s Ambitious Film City: A New Hub for Bollywood with Lucrative Incentives
The Uttar Pradesh government is making a bold move to position the state as a cinematic powerhouse with its International Film City project in Sector 21, near the upcoming Noida International Airport along the Yamuna Expressway. Spearheaded by a consortium led by Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor’s Bayview Projects LLP and Bhutani Infra, the project is designed to attract filmmakers with substantial financial incentives and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The Film City, approved by the UP cabinet in March 2024, is set to be developed on 1,000 acres, with the first phase spanning 230 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 1,510 crore. Of this, 155 acres are dedicated to core film industry activities, including studios, a film institute, and post-production facilities, while 75 acres are earmarked for commercial developments like hospitality and amusement parks. The project, operating under a public-private partnership model, has a 90-year concession period, with Bayview Projects offering an 18% gross revenue share to the state government, outbidding competitors like T-Series and consortiums backed by Akshay Kumar and KC Bokadia.
A key draw for filmmakers is UP’s filmmaker-friendly incentive policy, which has been in place since 1998 and was enhanced under subsequent administrations. Currently, filmmakers can avail subsidies of up to Rs 2 crore if two-thirds of their film is shot in the state, or Rs 1 crore if at least 50% of the shooting occurs in UP. Films in regional languages like Awadhi, Braj, Bundeli, or Bhojpuri can receive up to 50% of production costs as a subsidy, while Hindi, English, or other language films qualify for up to 25%. Additional incentives are offered for directors shooting multiple films in the state, with a subsidy ceiling of Rs 2.5 crore for a third consecutive project.
The state’s film policy also emphasizes promoting cultural and religious sites like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Mathura, encouraging filmmakers to showcase UP’s heritage. Boney Kapoor, in discussions with the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), highlighted the need for a subsidy slab proportional to the money spent by filmmakers in the state, signaling potential for further policy enhancements. The Film City’s master plan, submitted in December 2024, includes seven zones and a signature tower, with construction expected to begin in January 2025. The first phase, including a film university and filming facilities, is slated for completion within three years.
UP’s push comes amid a national race to attract film productions. States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi are also offering incentives, but UP’s aggressive policy and strategic location near the Jewar airport give it an edge. The project is expected to create significant employment opportunities and boost tourism, aligning with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of making UP a global filmmaking destination. Kapoor has emphasized learning from other film cities, like Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, to incorporate best practices and avoid past pitfalls.
The Film City will also leverage sustainable practices, with plans to power studios using solar energy. Collaborations with leading national and international filmmaking institutions are in the works to enhance the film institute’s offerings, focusing on technical training in acting, cinematography, and music. As Bollywood looks for cost-effective and efficient shooting destinations, UP’s Film City is poised to reshape the industry’s landscape.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and industry sources. Information is accurate as of August 2025, but policies and project details may evolve. Readers are advised to verify incentives and project status with official sources like YEIDA or the UP government.