PUNJAB OPEN FOR BUSINESS, FILM SHOOTS WITH SINGLE-WINDOW SYSTEM: BALTEJ PANNU

Chandigarh: In a bid to make Punjab a major hub for film production, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has rolled out "Punjab Film Promotion Policy 2026", with lucrative and flexible incentive structure designed to attract and facilitate investments. This came to the fore during the panel discussion on the Media and Entertainment session at Progressive Punjab Investor’s Summit 2026 held at Plaksha University, SAS Nagar (Mohali).

While addressing the gathering, Punjab Media In-charge Mr. Baltej Pannu stated, "We welcome every filmmaker, every investor, every creative mind. Whatever you need, however you need it, the CM Mann led state government is here for you.” He asserted that the era of middlemen projecting a negative image of the state is over, while assuring filmmakers and media stakeholders of a single-window clearance system and complete government facilitation for shoots in the state.

He termed the Punjab as a "dream project" of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, acknowledging the collective effort to turn it into reality. He stressed that Punjab's spirit of 'Punjabiyat' never died.

Mr. Pannu shared that the government is streamlining permissions for film shoots. Citing a recent case where a production unit faced an issue, he said a single call to the concerned officer ensured the immediate resolution of the issue.  "Any crew member stepping onto Punjabi soil is like our own family. We will facilitate in every manner to make them feel home," he assured.

He also revealed plans to appoint a Nodal Officer for hassle-free shooting permissions. Highlighting Punjab's infrastructure, Pannu pointed to two international and four domestic airports, making the state easily accessible for the global Punjabi diaspora. He noted that NRIs are increasingly choosing Punjab for pre-wedding shoots, medical tourism and business.

Addressing the rise of OTT platforms and AI, Mr. Pannu urged the media to adapt to changing times. "Punjab is filled with positivity. If you look for positive people, you will find them in the state", he said, recalling the spirit of Guru Nanak's followers who turned 20 rupees into a legacy of service.

Meanwhile, Invest Punjab CEO Mr. Amit Dhaka said that the state offers a 25% capital subsidy for films, documentaries and web series on cost of production incurred in Punjab, up to 3 crore per film and web series, and subsidy for Punjabi language films is 30% of cost of the production, up to Rs.3.5 crore per film. He further informed that the policy also includes 20% capital subsidy for setting up film city, film studio, VFX studio and Training Institute.

"Punjab's cultural footprint is massive, despite having only 1.5% of India's land area and 2% of its population," Dhaka said.

With a single-window online permission system and incentives, the state aims to attract filmmakers and investors. The state's media and entertainment industry is expected to get a boost, with Punjabi content occupying 40% of digital and OTT platforms. The government is working on developing a Film City in Mohali and promoting skill development in film production.

Outlining the government's ambitious vision to harness the state's immense cultural capital through the newly formulated Punjab Film Promotion Policy 2026, he said that Punjabi cinema is one of the largest film industries in India and the Punjabi music industry, with over 400 labels, enjoys a global market share that rivals any regional language. He observed that 40% of the space on digital and OTT platforms is now occupied by Punjabi content, a testament to the state's creative dominance.

Recognising that the first step to growth is ease of doing business, Mr. Dhaka detailed the government's overhaul of the permissions system. "Initially, when we met with producers, they were not optimistic as they were facing problems with shooting permissions." To address this, the government integrated a single-window shooting permission service into the Invest Punjab Portal—a system now considered one of the best in the country, with other states coming to study its model. "The state's role is to facilitate, not to create hindrances," he affirmed, while urging industry professionals to partner with the government in creating a digital catalogue of shooting locations across Punjab.

While addressing the gathering of media & entertainment industry professionals, the Secretary, Information and Public Relations Mr. Ramvir asserted that the spirit of Punjabi society has always been reflected through its media, while highlighting the crucial role of the state’s press and film industry in shaping cultural narratives. He traced the evolution of Punjabi journalism from 19th-century print and the Akali newspapers of 1920 to the modern digital age. He noted that media houses historically documented key social and religious movements.

“The ‘Chardi Kala’ spirit of Punjab is the reason behind the strong presence of Punjabi language in Indian cinema and other art forms,” he stated, while adding that the Punjabi film industry is currently experiencing a boom, connecting deeply with the global Punjabi diaspora. He emphasised the government’s proactive role in fostering this growth, pointing to a new policy aimed at infrastructure development. He urged stakeholders to adapt to new technologies and digital media, which saw rapid acceleration post-COVID.

While inviting investments in the state’s entertainment sector, Mr. Ramvir assured full support from the department to help the industry thrive and project Punjabi culture to the world.

CEO Speed Records Mr. Dinesh Auluck, MD OTT Chaupal Mr. Sandeep Bansal and MD Punjab Film City Mr. Iqbal Cheema expressed gratitude to CM Mann led Punjab Government for rolling out the Film Promotion Policy. They expressed happiness that the policy would create a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem—a one-stop destination that doesn't just offer studios, but a complete range of facilities, besides, ensuring that once someone arrives, they never have to leave for any requirement. The state will become a global hub for filmmaking and creative enterprise. Mr. Sandeep Bansal said that the Punjab’s OTT platform is expected to grow to over Rs. 2000 crores industry in next 4-5 years.