Good Shot
The Valley is declaring ‘lights, camera, action’ as film shoots find a revival, thanks to the prevailing peace situation here. Some 150 filmmakers have already got the permission to shoot in J&K and the action’s just begun!
WITH the approval of the new film policy by the Jammu & Kashmir government, 150 filmmakers have been granted permission to shoot in the Union Territory. It is interesting to watch that this time, Tollywood has taken a lead in seeking permission for shooting in the Kashmir Valley. Many filmmakers, with their cast and crew, have already arrived in Kashmir and the shooting of their respective projects is underway. Kashmir has been a film shoot destination for long, long years now. However, thanks to the violent turbulence of the last three decades, not many films have been shot in Kashmir during this period. Though some films like Mission Kashmir, Hyder, Kashmir Files and a few others were filmed here but that was because the central theme of these films was the Valley. Kashmir, otherwise, has been a film shoot destination for its beautiful landscapes. Now that the shooting of films in Kashmir is being revived, one can only hope that it emerges as the most sought-after destination for this purpose. Kashmir is already emerging as an all-weather tourist destination and since the last couple of years, there has been no let up in tourist influx – be it during summers or winters.
Kashmir could now pull film crews too in a similar way since Nature has bestowed this beautiful valley with everything that heals, soothes the eyes, gives restfulness to the body and quietens the mind. Meanwhile Asia’s largest tulip garden which has been thrown open to tourists on March 19, could also provide the perfect backdrop for film & song shoots. The infrastructural development taking place across the world famous tourist destinations in Kashmir could further facilitate such activity. Also, there are efforts to provide world-class facilities to the film industry. This would help filmmakers to cut costs of travelling abroad. Even low-budget films could make comfortable profits by shooting in Kashmir. As is popularly said – well begun is half done – film shoots have kick-started and some good cinema is being filmed here. It is a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
