Patna: Bihar is increasingly emerging as an attractive destination for filmmakers and a ‘film-friendly’ state following the implementation of the Bihar Film Promotion Policy, 2024.Officials said the policy offers some of the highest financial assistance in India to encourage local film production, prompting filmmakers to increasingly choose Bihar as a shooting destination.“Since July 2024, when the policy was approved by the state cabinet, altogether 45 films have been approved for shooting in Bihar. These films are being made in several languages, including Bhojpuri, Hindi, Magahi and Hindi-Maithili. Among them, 22 films are being produced in Hindi language, 19 in Bhojpuri, one each in Magahi, English-Bhojpuri mix, Hindi-Maithili mix and another one in Maithili,” officials said.Of the total 45 projects, shooting of 39 films has already been completed since July 2024, while the remaining films are currently under production, they added.The Bihar Film Promotion Policy 2024 is the state’s first comprehensive framework aimed at transforming Bihar into a major filmmaking hub. The policy provides financial incentives, institutional support and simplified procedures for film producers.Under the policy, films made in Bihar’s regional languages such as Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, Angika and Vajjika are eligible for a subsidy of up to 50% of production costs, capped at Rs 4 crore.Hindi and English films can receive a grant of 25% of their total production costs.Films based on stories or scripts centred on Bihar and promoting the state’s identity can receive a 50% incentive of up to Rs 2 crore.The Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation (BSFDFC) is the nodal agency responsible for implementing the policy. According to a list released by the corporation for the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, a total of 45 films and projects have either been shot or are currently being shot in Bihar. These include 38 feature films, six documentaries and one web series.“The shooting of films is mainly taking place at prominent locations such as Rajgir, Bodhgaya, Patna, Gaya, Munger and Champaran. Through these locations, Bihar’s historical heritage, religious significance and natural beauty are being showcased at the national level,” an official of the corporation said.
