The Karnataka government has introduced a new set of initiatives to strengthen the state’s film industry while also preserving cultural and historical connections to cinema and the freedom movement.
One of the key announcements is Cine Mitra, a digital platform that will simplify the permissions needed for film shooting and production. Filmmakers often deal with multiple departments to get approvals. With Cine Mitra, the government plans to centralize these clearances, making the process faster and more transparent for production teams planning shoots across the state.
Another proposal aims to help filmmakers find locations more easily. The government will create a Karnataka Film Location Digital Map, which will be a curated database of tourist spots, heritage sites, and scenic landscapes that can serve as filming locations. The project, budgeted at ₹1 crore, is expected to be a useful reference for directors and location managers exploring Karnataka for shoots.
The government also addressed the subsidy support for Kannada films. Although the previous subsidy scheme for quality Kannada movies has ended, films from three years will be selected during 2025–26. An allocation of ₹20 crore has now been set aside to provide subsidies for those remaining films.
In addition to film production, the state is focusing on preserving visual history. A new digital platform called Digital Drishya Karnataka will be launched to archive and digitize photographs and documentary footage available with the department. With ₹5 crore allocated for this initiative, the project aims to protect visual records that showcase Karnataka’s cultural and cinematic journey.
The long-planned Film City project in Mysuru has also received renewed administrative approval. Initially approved with an estimated cost of ₹500 crore, the revised plan now includes a theme park, star hotels, and restaurants as part of a larger entertainment hub. A transaction advisor has already been appointed, signaling that the project is progressing to its next phase.
In honor of Kannada cinema’s legacy, the home of legendary filmmaker Puttanna Kanagal will be transformed into a museum, allowing future generations to learn about the life and work of the iconic director.
Overall, these announcements reflect an effort to promote cinema development while making Karnataka a more attractive destination for filmmakers.