CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Located in the heart of the country, Madhya Pradesh has attracted the attention of filmmakers not only from India but from around the world with its beauty, culture, and tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God). It would not be an exaggeration to say that Madhya Pradesh is becoming the first choice for filmmakers. The state has become a popular shooting destination for films and web series due to its attractive locations, diverse destinations, and favorable government policies.
In recent years, Madhya Pradesh has made its presence known in national and international films, OTT series, and television shows. Recognizing the potential to promote film tourism, the state government has implemented policies and incentives for filmmakers, resulting in over 175 films and OTT shoots in various locations across the state over the past five years.
Popular tourist spots like Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Bhedaghat, Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Mandu, Orchha, and Pachmarhi have become preferred shooting locations for filmmakers. Projects shot in the state include “The Railway Men,” “Aashram,” “Gullak,” “Patna Shukla,” “Padman,” “Gutar-Gu,” “Raajneeti,” “Aarakshan,” “Manikarnika,” and “Luka Chuppi,” among others. Madhya Pradesh has been praised for emerging as a top film shooting destination, earning the title of the most film-friendly state at the 68th National Film Awards.
Madhya Pradesh, with its 77,700 square kilometers of forest area, is home to 11 national parks and 24 wildlife sanctuaries such as Satpura National Park, Chambal Ghariyal Sanctuary, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh forests. Additionally, the state boasts the land of Khajuraho and Sanchi, forts and monuments of Gwalior, Maheshwar, Orchha, and Mandu, the rich culture displayed in tribal museums, and the archaeological splendor of Gohar Mahal. The state offers filmmakers a diverse experience with its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
An online portal has been established to simplify the film shooting permission process, working as a single-window clearance under the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. It ensures permissions within 15 days under the Public Service Guarantee Act and provides emergency offline permissions.
The diversity, post-production facilities, and essential infrastructure available in Madhya Pradesh make shooting more cost-effective, giving filmmakers compelling reasons to choose the state repeatedly. With its blend of wildlife, heritage, pilgrimage, and local culture, Madhya Pradesh provides a wide range of unique and stunning shooting locations. From natural beauty and historical monuments to local traditions and majestic landscapes, the state offers some of the most extraordinary and beautiful filming spots. The ease of completing shooting formalities, geographic diversity, and serene environment make Madhya Pradesh a leading state for filmmakers who love to capture the beauty of nature through their lens.