Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thangam Thenarasu, presented the state budget on February 19, unveiling a significant allocation of Rs 500 crore for the construction of a new film city in Poonamallee, Chennai. This initiative marks the state’s second film city after the renowned MGR Film City in Chennai. The allocation follows Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s announcement during the centenary celebration of former Chief Minister Karunanidhi in January, an event attended by superstar actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.
Chief Minister MK Stalin emphasised during the event that the proposed film city will be a state-of-the-art facility featuring amenities such as a five-star hotel, LED walls, animation and visual effects studios, as well as production and post-production facilities. The aim is to create a production hub that rivals the success of Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City, which has become a preferred destination for Tamil filmmakers due to its modern infrastructure and privacy advantages.
The decision to construct a new film city in Chennai stems from longstanding demands from Tamil filmmakers, who often faced challenges due to the lack of suitable filming locations in the state. Many productions were forced to shoot in foreign countries to meet their requirements. With the introduction of advanced facilities like VFX, animation and LED walls, Tamil filmmakers will now have the opportunity to produce high-quality films domestically, potentially attracting pan-Indian productions.
The Poonamallee Film City, spanning 140 acres of land, aims to elevate the production standards of Tamil cinema and reduce dependence on foreign shooting locations. Additionally, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced plans to expand the existing MGR Film City by adding four floors for Rs 25 crore.
Tamil cinema has been gaining prominence in the entertainment industry, thanks to its content and action sequences. The establishment of the new film city in Poonamallee is expected to further enhance the reputation of Tamil filmmakers and provide a boost to the state’s economy. Following in the footsteps of the iconic MGR Film City in Taramani, the Poonamallee Film City is poised to become another landmark destination for cinema enthusiasts and tourists alike.
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