Mysuru: The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has handed over the land to the Tourism Department to set up a Film City at Himmavu village in Nanjangud Taluk. Himmavu is located around 20 kms from Mysuru, off National Highway 212.

The sprawling 110-acre land that played host to the 17th Bharat Scouts and Guides Jamboree in December 2016, where over 25,000 students participated, will soon have attractive structures, film sets and ultra-modern facilities for film-makers to shoot their upcoming movies. The Film City has been named “Sandalwood”.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Additional Deputy Commissioner T. Venkatesh said that the land has been handed over to the Tourism Department on a lease and the lease amount of Rs. 3.7 crore has to be paid by the Department. The Department has now got an approval from the State Cabinet to pay the lease amount in instalments.

It may be recalled here that the Film City was announced by Chief Minister Siddharamaiah in the last State Budget. The facility has been a long-standing demand of Sandalwood filmmakers and Mysuru was chosen as it has contributed immensely to the growth of Kannada film industry.

With Film City, the government hopes to bring in key players in film production, including top-ranking studios, to set up infrastructure for film shoots. It is also hoping to spur film tourism.

Sources said that the Film City will be developed on a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model and accordingly, the Tourism Dept. has prepared Detailed Project Report to rope in leading professional services firms to set up the Film City on its behalf.

Mysuru and its surroundings, including parts of Mandya district, have over 100 spots where film shooting takes place. Most scenic locations are within a radius of 15 to 20 km. The project has been languishing for many years for want of land. Though Bengaluru is a nerve centre of Kannada film world, now with increased traffic and growing population, shooting in Bengaluru has become a herculean task.

Film-makers say that Mysuru offers peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for film shoots. Many iconic structures and places, including Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Chamundi Hill, Balamuri, Edamuri, KRS, Shivanasamudra, Kukkarahalli and Karanji Lakes and Manasagangothri campus, are favourite spots for Sandalwood Directors. Mysuru is also surrounded by tourist destinations including Kodagu, Ooty, Hassan and Chikamagaluru.