Mysuru Film City Project Faces Ongoing Delays Despite Land Allocation
The long-awaited film city project in Mysuru continues to encounter significant delays, even as the state government has allocated 160 acres of land at Himmavu near Mysuru. Currently, construction of a compound wall costing Rs 7 crore is actively underway, while the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has reached its final stage. This development marks a critical phase in a project that has been a persistent aspiration for the Kannada film industry for over four decades.
A Four-Decade-Old Dream for the Kannada Film Industry
The vision for a dedicated film city to promote the Kannada film industry dates back to the 1980s, when then Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde first proposed the idea. Subsequent administrations, including former CM SM Krishna in 2004, also championed the project, but it repeatedly failed to materialize. The concept gained renewed momentum during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's first term in 2013, driven by strong support from Kannada actors, directors, and industry leaders who favored Mysuru due to its reputation as the City of Palaces and the abundance of scenic locations in the region.
Political Shifts and Land Allocation Challenges
Over the years, the selection of a site for the film city project became politically charged, leading to proposals to shift it to Ramanagara during HD Kumaraswamy's tenure in 2018. Former CM BS Yediyurappa later announced plans to establish the film city on 500 acres at Devika Rani Roerich estate in Hesaraghatta near Bengaluru. After years of uncertainty and deliberations across various locations, the project was finally stabilized during CM Siddaramaiah's second term. He allocated the land and tasked the Department of Information and Public Relations with implementation last year, resolving the long-standing ambiguity.
Current Progress and Future Steps
Nodal officer for the film city project, TK Harish, confirmed that the Public Works Department is constructing the compound wall at a cost of Rs 7 crore. Additionally, the department has conducted multiple meetings with key figures from Sandalwood and the producers association to develop a techno-economic feasibility report. This report will assess the project's cost, economic viability, engineering design, and other critical aspects. Harish emphasized that a comprehensive DPR will be submitted to the government upon completion, paving the way for further advancements in this historic initiative.
