Cloud cover on film city has silver linings for Patratu

Ranchi: Famous for its scenic beauty and a power plant, now taken over by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Patratu is in the news recently because of hectic parleys going on between industry representatives and government officials to build a film city there.
The proposal to set up a film city in Patratu was mooted in 2012 by former chief minister Arjun Munda.The government also identified a 200-acre plot of the department of industries. The proposal, prepared by the information and public relations department (I&PRD) and reviewed by the then principal secretary, was sent to Munda's office, but it was returned with some queries. The file was sent back to the CMO in 2013 after the queries were addressed.
"I reviewed the file after joining office and sent it back to the CMO. However, the file remained there, gathering dust for nine months. It was only when Raghubar Das took charge that the file started moving again," said AK Pandey, director, I&PRD.
Now that a film policy is finally in place and the government machinery has started consulting industry stakeholders to bring project on ground, some concerns remain.
For example, why Patratu remains the most preferred destination for establishing the film city when there are huge tracts of land available closer to the city. Is the land earmarked enough for the same and will the proposed expansion of the NTPC power plant, which is close by, affect work in the proposed facility.
"The land that has been earmarked for the film city at the moment is certainly not enough. At least 1,000 acres of land is required even if one aims to establish a medium-sized project, which includes warehouses for construction of indoor sets, open spaces, dummy buildings like railway platforms, police stations, in addition to sound recording, editing and mixing facilities. Besides, the future expansion of NTPC power plant will also create problems for the facility in the future by drawing in heaving industries and increasing ambient sounds," said filmmaker Anil Sikdar.
"I believe the government should work on Ramoji Film City's model, which is spread over 2,000 acres and is the largest integrated film city in the world. In addition to drawing filmmakers, it has also become a magnet for tourists, earning government hard cash in additional revenue. We can also count on support of Bhojpuri, Bengali, Chhattisgarhiya and Odia filmmakers who will also use the facility as there is no integrated film city available in these states," said Sikdar.
However, there are a few who are treading the path cautiously. "I think Patratu is a fine place for establishing the film city. We have argued a lot with the government for the last past 15 years and I think we should accept whatever government is willing to offer at the moment," said Manoj Changat, another film activist.