MP film policy attracts Bollywood filmmakers:Bhopal emerges as cinematic hub; ‘Dhadak 2,’ ‘Selfiee’ shot at beautiful locations of city

Once known for its rich heritage, Bhopal has transformed into a cinematic hub, drawing Bollywood filmmakers with its stunning locations and supportive infrastructure. Over the years, it has evolved into a city with visually striking cinematic locations. The support extended from government to travellers and production teams by providing them legal facilities, flights to travel easily and accommodation arrangements. State becoming film friendly Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav recently shared a post on LinkedIn platform regarding Madhya Pradesh film tourism policy 2025, where the policy states that the doors to opportunity, global recognition and creativity has opened, he adds further Madhya Pradesh truly is becoming a film friendly state. The policy positions the state as a top cinematic hub by offering a 15 day single-window clearance via an online portal which states all the necessary permissions will be cleared within 15 days through an online portal. Bonus incentives will be given for using local talent or languages and support for building infrastructure like film cities.
Movies shot in Bhopal From 1952 Dilip Kumar starring ‘Aan’ to ‘Dhadak 2’, filmmakers are exploring diverse and dynamic topics. From social awareness issues to commercial entertainers. Whether it is ‘The Railway Men ’based on 1989 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, or powerful stories like ‘Jai Gangaajal’ (2016), ‘Lipstick Under my Burkha’ (2016). At the same time, the mainstream films like ‘Stree’ (2018), ‘Sui Dhaga’ (2018), ‘Panga’ (2020), ‘Sherni’ (2021), ‘Dhaakad’ (2022), ‘Selfiee’ (2023), and the much awaited film ‘Stree 2’ (2024), ‘Ludo’ (2020), ‘Doctor G’ (2021) highlighting its ability to support projects across genres and production scales. Arbaaz Khan shows love for Bhopal In an interview, film actor Arbaaz Khan during his visit to Bhopal for the film ‘Mera Ghar’, he said there is no better location for shooting than Bhopal, while shooting we get a lot of support from Bhopal residents. Recently he was spotted again in the old lanes of Bhopal, the unit has filmed several scenes in Iqbal Maidan, Ibrahimpura, Chowk Market and nearby Kohefiza area, amidst the actor being captured on camera in a classic vintage car. Director Prakash Jha gave major push Beginning around 2009-10, Director Prakash Jha’s contribution has been remarkable. During the era, he shot multiple films like Raajneeti (2010), Aarakshan (2011), Chakravyuh (2012) more from which he placed Bhopal firmly on the cinematic map. After completing the shoot for Raajneeti in Bhopal, Prakash had a call with Rumi Jaffery saying he regretted not visiting this city full of serene nature, it’s such a nice place, I haven’t seen a place with such nice people anywhere else. ‘Ranbir going to your Bhopal village’- Rishi Kapoor Bhaskar English talked to Mumbai based writer, actor, director Rumi Jaffery, who added the late veteran actor Rishi Kapoor talked to me and said that Ranbir is going to your village for the shoot of Rajneeti, I said ‘Ranbir is not going to my village, he is going to my city.’ He also told us Big B and Priyanka Chopra say that Bhopal is a city full of peace. Leading actors and huge film productions are preferring Bhopal as their shooting destination, as finding a city with such natural beauty across the county is difficult. Bhopal at the core The supportive residents, well developed facilities, and nature’s balanced atmosphere make it especially attractive. All the credit goes to the Government of Bhopal first, then to its supportive people. Rumi further adds- Kapil Sharma’s latest film shot in Bhopal Popular locations like DB City Mall have also recently served as a shooting backdrop. The film ‘Kis Kis Ko Pyar Karoon 2’, starring famous comedian and actor Kapil Sharma, was also shot here. More recently, the film starring renowned actors like Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri named ‘Dhadak 2’ filmed entirely in Bhopal, beautifully showcasing the picturesque city, including Raja Bhoj Setu and nearby localities. Film analyst and former member of sensor board Anamika Jha says, “Madhya Pradesh offers something few places which put authenticity to the project. The historic charm of Orchha, the architectural brilliance of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, and the commanding presence of the Gwalior Fort provide cinematic depth that no studio set can fully recreate. These locations are not just scenic; they carry stories within their walls.” State bags ‘Most Film Friendly State’ title Madhya Pradesh won the award for ‘Most Film- Friendly State’ in 2022, highlighting its supportive policies and growing support for filmmakers. Syed Zaid Ali and Zohaib Ali have transformed Bhopal into a regular location for Bollywood features, web series and television series. How does film production impact the local economy? Amid the glamour of a film shoot, very few put light on the off camera team that’s over 100 workers. From local drivers, technicians, set designers, caterers, junior artists to hotel staff, vanity vans- multiple sector benefits whenever a production unit arrives in the city. Even Bhopal’s local talent is being uplifted. More and more opportunities are emerging for theatre artists to work on the big screen. This has resulted in increased economy and employment projects. It has significantly increased local employment with over 350 film projects hosted in Madhya Pradesh over the past five years (2020-2025). When asked for the difference in Bhopal city in 90’s and now, Jaffery said- Earlier the population here was less and because of that the peace was more. Now the city is more crowded and hence peace is little less, but anyways the air holds serenity that makes the city feel special. Major shoot locations in Bhopal With the rising developments, Bhopal is turning into a film hub, this is uplifting local talents, increased economy and more developments ahead, which eventually slated to bring MP onto the map of entertainment hubs.