Govt pushes India as global film-shooting hub

The government has reiterated its efforts to position India as a global destination for film and OTT production, highlighting the launch of the India Cine Hub (ICH) portal as a key initiative to streamline filming permissions and promote diverse shooting locations across the country.

Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan said the ICH portal has been developed as a one-stop platform for both domestic and international filmmakers to apply for filming approvals in India.

According to the minister, the portal is designed to simplify and speed up the permission process while also enabling filmmakers to identify a wide range of filmic and non-filmic resources across India. The platform showcases India’s varied landscapes, heritage sites and infrastructure, making it easier for production houses to plan shoots across multiple locations.

Murugan added that the initiative is part of a broader strategy by the MIB to strengthen India’s appeal as a preferred global shooting destination. The government is also focusing on promoting historically and culturally significant locations such as Mithila, Nalanda and Gaya, among others, to boost film tourism and regional economic activity.

He said that the emphasis on such heritage-rich destinations is aimed at encouraging filmmakers to explore beyond traditional filming hubs, while simultaneously showcasing India’s cultural legacy on global screens.

The government has been positioning the film and OTT production ecosystem as a growth driver for employment, tourism and soft power with streamlined policies and digital platforms like ICH expected to play a central role in attracting international productions to India.