A new film city in Ottapalam

A new film city in Ottapalam

While Trivandrum already has a film city spread over 50 acres coming up shortly, Mollywood has decided to create yet another one that's closer to nature

Ammu Zachariah

Picturesque locale of Ottapalam has been Mollywood's favourite shooting location for generations. But since getting across here and heading back on a daily basis has proved to be time consuming for the cast and crew, Ottapalam MLA, M Hamsa, has been working on building a film city right there. "We had a meeting with the Chief Minister recently. After that, four acres of land from the irrigation scheme have been allotted for this film city," says Sabu Cherian, Chairman, Kerala State Film Development Corporation. "Since there are no funds from the government, this will be built on a private-public partnership. If all goes well, the film city will be ready within a year," he says, adding that it makes sense to have a film city, although it is spread across just 4 acres, as it brings the cast and crew so much closer to the beautiful locations that they make use of for their films anyway. The film city has been touted to have the latest amenities. The Film Development Corporation will be setting up a studio as well. "Accommodation will also be made available," says Sabu. This development comes close on the heels of the proposed film citycum-amusement park in Trivandrum. "The 50-acre plot in Trivandrum will also house three star hotels. The studios at the film city will match international standards," says Sabu.
ammu.zachariah@timesgroup.com

LOCALE PERFECT: Varikkassery Mana at Ottapalam