Delhi: Film shoots at monuments witness a surge

Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has reported a significant rise in film shoots at Delhi’s iconic heritage monuments. According to an RTI query filed by Patriot, the ASI disclosed that permissions for filming at renowned sites, including Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Agrasen Ki Baoli, have surged over the past two years.

“In 2023, ASI issued 20 film licenses for shoots at heritage sites such as Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Agrasen Ki Baoli,” the RTI reply stated. This figure almost doubled in 2024, with 39 film licenses issued for shoots at Qutub Minar and Red Fort.

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Popular film projects

Recent films like Fateh, Sitaare Zameen Par, Ul Jalool Ishq, and Thug Life have been shot at these locations. In the past, these historic sites have also featured in blockbuster films like Fanaa, Kick, Jannat 2, PK, and Sultan. The growing interest highlights the entertainment industry’s increasing fascination with Delhi’s architectural marvels.

An ASI official from the Delhi circle attributed this trend to efforts to promote cultural heritage through creative avenues.

“These monuments are not just historical symbols but also treasures that showcase India’s cultural identity to global audiences,” the official remarked.

Supporting film making while protecting heritage

The ASI has actively worked to make these monuments more accessible to filmmakers while maintaining strict preservation protocols. “We have been actively promoting Delhi’s monuments to filmmakers. Our smooth permission process, ongoing conservation efforts, and new facilities have enhanced the appeal of these sites. Qutub Minar and Red Fort remain the most sought after locations,” the official added.

To protect the structural integrity and sanctity of these sites, the ASI enforces stringent shooting guidelines. “Shoots are conducted under specific guidelines to ensure the safety of the monuments,” another official confirmed.

Filmmakers and production teams have lauded ASI’s streamlined licensing system. Javed Khan, a Delhi-based line producer, said, “Monuments are always top choices for filmmakers. If they are shooting in Delhi, they cannot miss filming at these iconic locations.”

Stricter regulations and recent violations

In November 2023, the ASI hinted at tightening regulations for filmmakers who breach guidelines. However, according to the RTI reply, no film licenses have been revoked over the past decade.

A previous RTI filed by Patriot in September 2023 revealed a rare case where the security deposit of Rajender Ghimiri from North India Film & Entertainment was forfeited. The violation occurred during the shooting of Biryani Hunt at Agrasen Ki Baoli in June 2023, when a gas cylinder was brought to the centrally protected monument. The show, hosted by chef Ranveer Brar, airs on Hotstar TV.

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Costs and incentives

Film shooting charges for UNESCO World Heritage sites in Delhi are Rs 1 lakh per day, with a refundable security deposit of Rs 50,000. Non-UNESCO sites cost Rs 50,000 per day, with a security deposit of Rs 10,000. Delhi is home to three UNESCO World Heritage monuments: Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort.

The Delhi government’s ‘Delhi Film Policy-2022’, introduced in May 2022, aims to position the city as a film production hub. The policy offers incentives to filmmakers, which officials believe have contributed to the recent surge in shoots.

Delhi’s historic monuments are not just relics of the past but active participants in modern storytelling, capturing the imagination of filmmakers and audiences alike.