Kerala govt plans PPP model for J.C. Daniel international film city proposed in revised Budget
The proposed J. C. Daniel international film city project announced in the revised Kerala Budget 2026-27 would be set up under a public-private partnership (PPP)
The proposed J. C. Daniel international film city project announced in the revised Kerala Budget 2026-27 would be set up under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The government is considering multiple locations in Ernakulam to establish its ambitious venture aimed at creating a one-stop destination for film shooting. It included revenue land and sites earmarked for industrial development. The initial plan is to allocate about 25 to 30 acres for the multi-crore project. “The project has generated interest among investors in not only Malayalam cinema, but outside too,” P.C. Vishnunadh, Minister for Culture, told The Hindu.
“The government will act as a facilitator for the successful implementation of the project. Without private investment, a project of this scale cannot become a reality,” he said. He said land constraints in the State have to be taken into consideration while going ahead with the project. “We have studied various options and realised that the film city can be set up in nearly 25 to 30 acres. The government will look at the best of international film city models before finalising its design, he said.
Allied infrastructure The government has also plans to rope in private investors in setting up allied infrastructure at the film city, which included premium hotels and studio facilities. It will have infrastructure catering to the needs of all film-making departments. Besides exploring the tourism potential of the project, the government expects the film city to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities. The revised State Budget presented by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio, had earmarked a total of ₹100 crore for various initiatives, including the J.
C. Daniel film city, granting formal industry status to Malayalam cinema, creating a permanent venue for the international film festival, forming robust anti-piracy cells, and cultivating an environment to attract premier national and international film productions into the State.
The BriefWire