Why the Delhi government’s bid to woo filmmakers with subsidies has fallen flat

The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) has revealed that of the 27 films and web series shot in the national capital since 2022, only one production has applied for the subsidy.

“Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail has become the first film to qualify for a subsidy under the Delhi government’s Delhi Film Policy-2022 for shooting its portion in Delhi,” said a Delhi Tourism official overseeing the policy.

“The filmmaker has completed all formalities, and the subsidy will be reimbursed once the Assembly elections are over and the new government is formed,” the official added.

The DTTDC has so far received 117 applications, with 27 shoots completed, including both films and web series.

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Why filmmakers hesitate

When asked why filmmakers are not applying for the subsidy, the official highlighted that many prefer smoother facilitation and hassle-free permissions over financial incentives. “We are simplifying the process. Previously, some line producers would overcharge filmmakers, giving Delhi a bad name,” he explained.

He emphasised that the goal is to re-establish Delhi as a favourite shooting location, which has long been popular among filmmakers.

In November 2022, filmmaker Rohit Shetty shot the web series Indian Police Force in Delhi but reportedly declined the subsidy offer. “He told us he wasn’t interested in the subsidy but preferred smoother facilitation,” the official stated.

Subsidy details and eligibility

12th Fail, starring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, was filmed in Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar and Rajendra Nagar.

Tourism officials explained that under the policy, subsidies of up to Rs 3 crore are available, determined by criteria such as shooting days, location branding of Delhi, and the hiring of local actors.

“The subsidy is based on factors such as screen time of Delhi locations, the number of shooting days, Delhi-based skilled crew, and production costs in the city,” they elaborated.

Both Indian (including regional films) and foreign films are eligible for subsidies under a points-based scoring system. Productions must achieve a minimum of 20 points out of a maximum of 40 or 44 points, depending on the type of production.

Films shot after the policy’s launch in May 2022 are eligible. The policy was introduced by the AAP government to promote Delhi as a film production hub through various incentives.

Revised rates for MCD properties

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) also addressed previous complaints about high shooting fees, revising rates effective January 2024.

Under the new structure, the MCD charges Rs 15,000 for an 8-hour slot and ₹25,000 for a 24-hour shoot, irrespective of the location or building. A refundable security deposit of Rs 25,000 is also required for shooting on MCD properties.

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Major productions in 2024

Delhi continued to attract major film projects in 2024. Notable examples include Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life featuring Kamal Haasan, Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par, a project starring Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s The Delhi Files, and the Ajay Devgn-starrer Raid 2.

Other productions include Metro In Dino with Sara Ali Khan and Aditya Roy Kapur, Ul Jalool Ishq starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, and Fatima Sana Shaikh, as well as a web series featuring Mona Singh and a French TV reality show titled Picking Express.

Moving forward

With the promise of subsidies, simplified permissions, and a history of iconic shoots, Delhi has all the elements to become a leading film production hub. However, the true test lies in convincing filmmakers that the process will indeed be seamless.