Mumbai, 07 November (H.S.): The picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand are gradually emerging as more than just attractive filming destinations, with the state now taking steps towards developing modern infrastructure for film production. Filmmaker Avinash Dhyani has taken a significant initiative in this direction by establishing the Avinash Dhyani Film City (ADFC) in Chakrata.
Known for directing the film '72 Hours', Dhyani aims to develop a comprehensive film production hub in Uttarakhand where local talent can receive professional training, hone their skills and find employment opportunities. The initiative could also reduce the need for aspiring young people from the hill region to relocate to other cities in pursuit of careers in the film industry.
According to Dhyani, Uttarakhand offers an abundance of natural filming locations, but the lack of purpose-built sets and essential technical infrastructure has long posed challenges for filmmakers. During the production of his own films, he often faced difficulties in arranging or constructing sets representing locations such as police stations, hospitals, railway stations and villages. These experiences eventually inspired him to establish a dedicated film city.
ADFC is now providing a range of ready-to-use sets, including a village, police station, hospital, railway station and British-era buildings. In addition to these constructed locations, the surrounding deodar forests and breathtaking Himalayan peaks offer filmmakers a wide choice of natural backdrops.
A key objective of the initiative is to generate employment and create professional training opportunities for local youth. Aspiring individuals interested in acting, cinematography, editing, lighting, sound design and production management will have the opportunity to acquire practical experience and develop their careers without having to leave their home state.
Film production activities have already commenced at the facility. Dhyani's upcoming film, 'Tu Tum Aur Main', is currently being shot there. Meanwhile, large-scale sets, including wartime trenches, are being developed for 'VC-571', a film based on the life of Rifleman Gabbar Singh Negi, the celebrated World War I soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross.
Dhyani believes that promoting the film industry should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of the government; filmmakers and private institutions also have an important role to play. He maintains that Uttarakhand's film policy and subsidy initiatives, combined with private-sector efforts, can help establish a strong foundation for film production in the state.
ADFC represents an effort in this direction, with the broader vision of bringing Uttarakhand's creative talent, stories and cultural heritage to national and international audiences.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar