In a major boost to Karnataka’s film and tourism industries, the state government is developing a film city in Mysuru, aiming to restore the city’s cinematic legacy and transform it into India’s cinema capital.
🔹 Project Details:
- The film city will span 160 acres in Himmavu village, near Mysuru.
- To be built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
- An Expression of Interest (EOI) will be issued soon after the site is fenced.
- It will be developed in phases, featuring film sets, a palace replica, lakes, railway tracks, a runway, golf course, and other shoot-friendly infrastructure.
🔹 Why Mysuru?
Mysuru holds a historic cinematic appeal—once a preferred shoot location for legends like Raj Kapoor, Mani Ratnam, MGR, Rajkumar, and Amitabh Bachchan. Even Hollywood films were made here in the 1940s.
Director Rajendra Singh Babu noted that with cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru facing urban congestion, Mysuru—with 250 filmable spots within 15 km, 16 palaces, rivers, forests, and better infrastructure—offers an ideal setting.
🔹 Benefits Expected:
- Boost to Kannada cinema, which produces 120 films a year.
- Job creation and promotion of film tourism.
- Attract international and Bollywood filmmakers.
- Alternative to overcrowded film hubs like Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
🔹 Supporting Infrastructure:
- 10-lane expressway connecting Mysuru-Bengaluru
- Airport expansion
- Improved train frequency and reduced travel time
The proposed film city, if realized, could put Mysuru on the global cinematic map—merging its royal heritage with modern creative ambitions.