Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai on Friday laid the foundation stone for the Chitrotpala International Film City and Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre in Naya Raipur, marking the state’s formal entry into large-scale film and creative infrastructure development.

Spread across 95 acres in its first phase, the project is being developed by Rajnandini Entertainment Ltd (REL) and Indradeep Infra Ltd, with Tarun Rathi as the concessionaire. Envisioned as an end-to-end ecosystem for cinema, culture, trade and tourism, the Film City is being developed under the Ministry of Tourism’s Special Assistance Scheme and is positioned as a long-term platform for creative professionals, artisans, entrepreneurs and local communities.

The project aims to provide comprehensive filming infrastructure, including studios, production facilities and allied services, enabling filmmakers to execute projects entirely within Chhattisgarh. Industry interest has already begun to build, with early discussions suggesting that several upcoming productions, including Golmaal 5 and other films currently in pre-production, may explore shooting at the facility once it becomes operational.

A key component of the development is the collaboration with India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML) and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). Under the leadership of IEML Chairman Dr Rakesh Kumar and EPCH Chairman Neeraj Khanna, the project will include an exhibition and convention centre, hotel, mart-cum-business showrooms, helipad and related infrastructure. These facilities are expected to create sustained market access and employment opportunities for local artisans, tribal communities, MSMEs and skilled youth, while expanding the visibility of Chhattisgarh’s indigenous crafts and creative talent.

The foundation stone ceremony was attended by senior ministers, legislators and officials of the Chhattisgarh government, along with representatives from the film and exhibition industries. Veteran filmmaker Anil Sharma was also present, signalling industry support for the state’s ambition to emerge as a serious filmmaking destination.

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 in phase one.”

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 a major hub for film production, exhibitions, conventions and cultural exchange, while supporting skill development, entrepreneurship and local livelihoods across Chhattisgarh.