At the recent TOI Dialogues, industry stalwarts gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of filmmaking in Uttar Pradesh, exploring new narratives and breaking away from stereotypes.
Rahul Mittra
, producer, who has been instrumental in highlighting UP’s potential, spoke passionately about the transformation. “The locations, cuisine, and people of UP have always enthralled audiences.
The utilization of UP’s resources for filmmaking is a recent phenomenon,” he stated. Celebrating the administrative reforms under the
Yogi Adityanath government
, he emphasized the increased ease of shooting, with safety, law and order, and single-window clearance fostering a welcoming environment for filmmakers. “We are shooting here, and we are also discovering and promoting homegrown talent. If a film city is established here, it will be like homecoming,” he added.
Mittra also shared his journey of becoming a filmmaker, driven by a desire to tell stories from small towns. “I made my film thinking about how ‘Saheb Biwi aur Ghulam’ would be made today. I didn’t just recreate the old film; I aimed to portray women as powerful characters, making the content rooted and honest. We are not educators; we are here to entertain,” he explained.
Amit Sial
, actor, shared his perspective on the changing narratives in UP. “There are no criminals in UP now; we have to find new stories,” he said. Highlighting the shift in content, he noted, “There are stories from UP where crime is not the focus. Shows like ‘Panchayat’ and ‘Gullak’ are proof that family-friendly content is becoming more popular. Makers are now giving audiences what they want.” Reflecting on his own journey, Amit spoke about his roots in Kanpur, emphasizing how his UP origin and accent have been integral to his identity and career.
Faisal Malik
, actor, added a nuanced view on the portrayal of crime in UP films. “Gangster films from UP don’t represent the state. While films may use the state’s name, they don’t always reflect its reality. Crime is part of our society, and it should be present in stories. Criminals, despite their actions, often have a good sense of humor,” he explained. Faisal emphasized that filmmakers will continue to cater to audience demands, noting, “We have a great audience in India, and we will keep delivering stories that resonate with them.”
The dialogue underscored a shared vision among filmmakers to explore diverse narratives while celebrating UP’s rich
cultural tapestry
. As the industry moves forward, the focus remains on creating stories that are not only entertaining but also rooted in authenticity and truth.
