Time for Delhi's own film industry?

With so much film action in Delhi, there’s a new proposal — one for its own film industry. “I think Delhi should have its own film industry. Mumbai is not even located in a Hindi-speaking state, and still we make films there, so why not here?” suggested filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia while launching the Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF), a first for the Capital.

Those who support the proposal say many noted filmmakers, actors and technicians hail from the city and have been visiting it for shoots like never before, so it’s time. Films such as Khosla Ka Ghosla, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, Rockstar, Delhi-6, Aisha, Aloo Chat, Band Baaja Baraat, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl and most recently, Vicky Donor, all explored the city.

“There’s no shortage of infrastructure, locations and talent in Delhi. It will create more employment too. There’s definitely a very solid case for another film set up in Delhi,” says actor Gul Panag. Filmmaker Rajshri Ojha, who directed Aisha, says, “I think it would be a great idea. There is so much talent in Delhi and we already have so many people from the Capital working in the industry.”

However, some think the idea is not feasible. “There’s a magic and a tradition in Mumbai. Our film industry is the ‘Bombay film industry’. Also, filmmaking involves working day and night; Delhi is not safe for women at late hours,” says filmmaker Alankrita Srivastava.

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana agrees. “I don’t think any city can replace Mumbai as the film hub,” he says. Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali had said earlier, “Delhi has everything — infrastructure, technicians, but nothing is organised.” Filmmakers say Delhi should have its own film industry