Under the film tourism promotions, Sri Lanka Tourism has taken the initiative to welcome the very first Bollywood Top Flight Production Houses representing makers of blockbusters including Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastsni (Ranveer Singh & Deepika Padukone), Gully Boy (Ranveer Singh & Alia Bhat), Air Lift (Akshay Kumar), Batla House (Jhon Abraham), Lust Stories, Archies, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (Rani Mukherjee) to feature Sri Lankan locations, local culture and talent in Bollywood creations.
Over the six day visit in Sri Lanka covering Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Hambantota, and Kalutara producers searched for fresh locations (both man made & natural) for shooting their upcoming films and OTT (Over The Top) web series. Also, they undertook several key meetings with Sri Lanka Tourism Officials along with other government agencies and film industry partners to further discuss possible incentives and local support for filming in Sri Lanka.
India is the world’s largest film producer, overtaking all the other popular cinemas including Hollywood. Annually India creates over 2000 films and many OTT (web) series.
The focus of this promotion is to increase overall destination awareness about ‘’Shooting In Sri Lanka’’ among production house executives representing key Indian film / OTT production houses in Mumbai (Bollywood) and encourage Indian filmmakers to choose Sri Lankan film locations along with the relevant services from international film service providers in Sri Lanka.
As a result of facilitating Indian Film & OTT productions in Sri Lanka, our tourism industry expects to generate a greater amount of foreign income via hospitality, transportation, and various other logistical services. Most importantly, popularising Sri Lankan locations, local culture & and way of life via the Indian entertainment industry, influences Indian travellers to visit Sri Lanka as a must-visit Holiday Destination.
Ms. Shobha Sant who’s the Head of Film Content at Jio Studios (part of Reliance Industries) stated that: “I’m amazed by the beauty of Sri Lanka and am touched by its hospitality. warmth and personal attention we have received.
I will make a very sincere effort to come back to Sri Lanka for a Film Shoot here. The service, food culture, and environment of Sri Lanka is very similar to India and with the right support from the local film industry and government bodies, we will be able to build a mutually beneficial and sustainable Industry.”
Shobha is one of the most senior and influential Content Heads in Indian Cinema with over 40 years of experience across Pan Indian Cinema. She was the producer behind Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat (Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali) and managed many Actors such as Madhavan, Abhay Deol, Shruti Haasan, Irrfan Khan, etc. She is one of the most connected senior leaders in Bollywood and worked with most of the Indian Super Star Actors and Directors.
Mr. Angad Dev Singh, CEO and producer of Tiger Baby, the production house behind Gully Boy ( starring Ranveer Singh & Alia Bhat). Tiger Baby was founded by renowned Indian Cinema directors Zoya Akthar & Reema Kagti. Angad Dev Singh has spent close to a decade in the media business. In his four-plus year stint as Producer & CEO of Tiger Baby, he successfully set up the film and television company along with founders Zoya Akhtar & Reema Kagti. He is credited with producing films and series such as The Archies, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Made in Heaven, Dahaad, Eternally Confused & Eager for Love, amongst others.
Sharing his experience about Sri Lanka as a filming destination, Angad stated, “Sri Lanka is a captivating shooting location, not only due to its exceptional beauty and unique cultural diversity but also because of the myriad opportunities it presents for filmmakers. The country’s diverse landscapes, ranging from pristine beaches and lush forests to ancient temples and bustling urban settings, offer a versatile canvas for storytelling. Its varied geography will allow filmmakers to capture a wide range of cinematic scenes, from epic adventures along the coastlines to intimate character-driven moments in serene countryside settings.
Moreover, Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage provides a deep well of inspiration. The country’s centuries-old temples and colonial-era architecture offer visually stunning backdrops and cultural authenticity to enhance any narrative. The warm and welcoming nature of the locals further contributes to the appeal, making it easier for filmmakers to collaborate with local talent and tap into the genuine hospitality of the people, ultimately enriching the storytelling experience.”
Mr. Karan Joshi CEO of Emmy Entertainment, the producer of Airlift with Akshay Kumar, Batla House & Satyamev Jayate with John Abraham & Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway with Rani Mukherjee, stated, “It has been an absolute delight visiting Sri Lanka, a once-in-a-lifetime experience made possible by the tourism ministry. The country is beautiful and vibrant, much like its people and their hospitality is world-class. It was wonderful getting to know the people and learning that our people in India and Sri Lanka have much in common, from culture to their warmth. It truly felt like coming home. The sights are unmatched, and the natural beauty is untarnished.
“Many of the locations I visited during this tour are ideal for projects we shall be starting in the near future. I’m looking forward to shooting in Sri Lanka with the government’s help which has already given us such a wonderful experience.”
Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman -Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau stated: “Over the last several years, we have been aggressively promoting Sri Lanka ‘As a Filming Destination’’ for Indian, European, and Hollywood Cinemas. While working closely with all relevant government institutions including National Film Corporation and other industry stakeholders we have taken various initiatives to encourage international filmmakers to choose Sri Lanka as their ideal film location destination. We have set up a Film Tourism Policy for Sri Lanka Tourism and currently, we are working on a Single Window Filming’ Process, centralized under SLTPB. In terms of promotions and marketing, we have been representing in International Film Tourism & Location Shows along with our industry partners to invite foreign filmmakers to Sri Lanka. As a result of our that, this is the second film location familiarization trip we have organized for 2023, focusing on Indian Cinema. In April, we welcomed a film delegation from Kannada Cinema. As an immediate outcome of these promotions, do expect to bring several Indian film / OTT projects to Sri Lanka very soon to promote the destination via popular Indian Cinema. Currently, we are in discussion to create an in-house developed incentive scheme for selected foreign projects.”
Veteran filmmaker Mr. Chandran Rutnam who also supported Sri Lanka Tourism on this destination promotion has stated, “I would like to thank Sri Lanka Tourism for inviting these international film producers to Sri Lanka. It is important to show them the current situation in Sri Lanka and showcase Sri Lanka as a film-friendly destination.
“In my opinion, our presence at these international film location promotional marketing events and continuing to invite foreign producers for location familiarization trips is productive. Several decades ago we were the leaders in the region for international film location services, Today other destinations have gone far from us offering well-developed facilities, various incentives, rebates, etc. So, we have so much work to do. Overall, country promotions undertaken by SLTPB for key international filming markets are impressive and those marketing and promotional activities have taken the attention of many Intentional Film Industry professionals. The progress that has been made by their Film Tourism Team in recent years is brilliant and we have to continue keeping the momentum.”
Representing The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) tremendous support given by hospitality partners including Thema Collection, The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya, Shangri La Resort & Spa, Hambantota. (NewsWire)
