Mumbai: In a significant push to position Bihar as a film-friendly destination, the state government has approved the shooting of over 37 films, web series and documentary projects under the Bihar Film Promotion Policy, 2024. The initiative aims to promote filmmaking in the state and create a supportive ecosystem for production houses across languages and formats.
Confirming the development, Art and Culture Department Secretary Pranav Kumar said that filming activity has already begun across multiple locations. “Of the 37 projects, shooting for many projects are currently under way in Patna and other locations of different districts of the State,” he told reporters in Patna.
Highlighting the government’s intent to open Bihar to filmmakers across regions and languages, Kumar added, “We have been working for the overall development of film shooting in the State. You know that films like Johny Mera Naam had been shot in Rajgir but with the passage of time, the situation changed. We want to promote the shooting of films in the State either in local language or in Hindi or in any other language.”
Acknowledging the need for infrastructure support beyond policy announcements, Kumar said Bihar must build a complete filmmaking ecosystem. “In Bihar there was a need to create an ecosystem for film shooting as mere words will not serve the purpose. The government will have to provide good hotels, roads, security, locations and other facilities to producers and directors,” he noted.
To streamline the shooting process and provide easier access to information, the Art and Culture Department is set to launch a dedicated website next week. “In order to streamline all these things, we are going to launch our website next week. The site will provide information with regard to the facilities being offered for shooting in Bihar,” Kumar said.
The platform will feature 3D and VR images of potential shooting locations, enabling filmmakers to assess sites virtually before conducting physical inspections. The department has sought detailed inputs from District Magistrates and officials across districts to identify locations of historical, religious, or cinematic significance. Locations with the highest filming potential will be showcased digitally on the portal.
On the possibility of developing a film city in the state, Kumar said the government is taking a consultative approach. “The department wants to know what are the demands of producers and directors. What kind of facilities they want [in a film city]. We do not want to offer things that may not be of much use for them (producers/directors),” he said.
Alongside film promotion, the department is also focusing on preserving Bihar’s endangered art forms. Under the Mukhya Mantri Guru-Shishya Parampara Yojana, experts in traditional arts will mentor young learners. Each guru will train eight shishyas, with a total of 233 applications received so far. Selected participants will be trained in folk arts, music, dance, and traditional art forms such as Jat Jatni and Manjusha art.
Additionally, the state continues to honour senior artists through the Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Pension Yojana, under which eligible artists receive a monthly pension of ₹3,000. A total of 85 artists from districts including Patna, Saran, Khagaria, Katihar, Purnea, Banka, Bhojpur, Araria, Jehanabad and Kishanganj have been selected.
Kumar also said the department has created 244 new posts to strengthen institutions such as the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation Ltd., museums, and departmental cadres, further underlining the state’s long-term commitment to arts, culture and the creative economy.
