Under the newly unveiled 'Punjab Film Promotion Policy 2026', the proposed Mohali Film City is no longer just a boardroom discussion—it is now the cornerstone of a state-wide push to capture 40% of the global Punjabi digital and OTT market.
The Mohali Film City: Status Check 🏗️
While a private venture called "Punjab Film City" (formerly Perfect Picture Location) already offers themed sets for pre-wedding shoots and music videos, the Government's Mega Film City is the real game-changer:
The Vision: Designed to be a world-class integrated hub featuring sound stages, backlots, post-production suites, and VFX studios.
Capital Subsidy: The 2026 policy offers a massive 20% capital subsidy for anyone setting up a film city, studio, or training institute in the state.
The "Single-Window" Revolution: To eliminate the "middlemen era," the government has integrated shooting permissions into the Invest Punjab portal. Clearances that used to take months are now being promised within 5 to 45 working days.
Financial "Dhamaka" for Filmmakers 💰
The Punjab government is putting its money where its mouth is to attract big-budget projects:
Production Subsidy: A 25% capital subsidy (up to ₹3 crore) is now available for films, documentaries, and web series shot in Punjab.
The "Punjabi Pride" Bonus: For films shot in the Punjabi language, the subsidy is even higher—30% of production costs (up to ₹3.5 crore per film).
Skill Development: Plans are underway to establish a specialized Film & Media Training Institute within the Mohali cluster to ensure a steady supply of local technical talent.
Why Mohali is the Perfect "Set" 📍
AAP leader Baltej Pannu and Invest Punjab CEO Amit Dhaka highlighted why Mohali is beating other regions:
Global Connectivity: With two international airports and four domestic ones in close proximity, Mohali is the easiest entry point for the global Punjabi diaspora.
The IT Synergy: The government is simultaneously developing Mohali as a Tier-1 IT Hub, aiming to integrate AI and advanced VFX directly into the filmmaking ecosystem.
Urban Renaissance: The state is currently acquiring 11,103 acres across Greater Mohali and New Chandigarh to build new townships and commercial sectors (like the upcoming Sector 87, modeled after Chandigarh’s Sector 17).
SantaBanta Verdict:
Mohali is no longer just a satellite town; it's becoming the heartbeat of Indian regional cinema. With the 2026 policy in place, we expect to see Bollywood "biggies" like the next Dhurandhar or Ramayana chapters setting up base right here in your backyard.
