The master plan for developing the first phase of the long-awaited Noida International Film City has been submitted by Boney Kapoor and Bhutani Infra-backed firm Bayview Projects. It seeks to complete the work within three years post approval, according to the officials.
Bayview Projects will be submitted to the master plan by Kapoor before the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) on Tuesday.
YEIDA CEO Arun Vir Singh said that the master plan had indeed been received and added, "If it is in line with all the norms and guidelines, it will be our endeavor to get it approved as soon as possible." The ambitious project of the Uttar Pradesh government will be constructed on a 1,000-acre land on public-private partnership in Sector 21 of YEIDA along the Yamuna Expressway near Delhi. About 230 acre will be developed in the first phase.
Bayview Projects won the bid on January 31 with the offering of 18 per cent revenue share to the Uttar Pradesh government – the highest among four bidders.
Addressing the media alongside Singh, Kapoor detailed his vision for the film city's development, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize filmmaking in India and attract global talent.
The first phase of the project will see the completion of sound stages and a dedicated film university," Kapoor said.
"The university is being built to train talent from across the country, particularly Uttar Pradesh, enabling individuals to come with a script and leave with a complete film," Kapoor said.
Facilities will encompass all aspects of production, including post-production, he added.
"Filmmakers won't need to go elsewhere for resources. Everything, including equipment and infrastructure, will be available right here," he said.
The first phase, targeted for completion within three years, will serve as a foundation for expanding the film city, he said.
Kapoor plans to invite filmmakers all over the world to use this infrastructure. "Our goal is to make this a one stop destination for filmmaking", he added. Kapoor identified several standout features of the film city like Virtual Studios, underwater shooting facilities, etc.
There also will be a floor equipped with advanced technology that will remove the traditional green screen, in which actors can see and experience scenes on LED screens in front of them, he further said.
There will also be huge water tanks for shooting complex underwater scenes and ship-based sequences, he added.
Kapoor imagines a setup like that of Parliament's visitor galleries where people can watch live shooting and can interact with directors or actors in breaks as per their convenience.
Kapoor compares with the international filmmaking destinations, "We are very positive that Noida International Film City will emerge as one.".
“Once Phase One is ready, we’ll reach out to international filmmakers and directors who’ve shifted from Los Angeles to Canada, Italy, and Spain. Our aim is to provide them with world-class facilities at significantly reduced costs potentially saving up to 50 per cent,” he said.
Kapoor also highlighted the importance of government incentives.
“Just as other countries offer subsidies, we’ll work with the central and state governments to secure incentives for filmmakers, making this destination more attractive.” Beyond filmmaking, the film city will also feature auditoriums, hotels, and food and beverage setups, transforming it into a tourist destination.
Kapoor said, "Mathura is just an hour-and-a-half away. Proper hospitality could make this place a magnet for visitors in search of a mix of film-making and tourism." Kapoor also discussed plans to start shooting one of his own films in Noida Film City in the hope of instilling confidence into the project.
I intend to begin with one of my own productions here after March. Most filmmakers follow the trend; if I begin, they will realize that there is so much potential for a place like this.
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