Dehradun: Uttarakhand has emerged as a premier destination for filmmakers, thanks to its stunning natural beauty, lush valleys, and diverse locations that continue to attract shoots for films across languages.
According to data from the Uttarakhand Film Development Board (also referred to as Uttarakhand Film Development Council), more than 1,331 films—including Garhwali, Kumaoni, Odia, and Hindi productions—have been shot in the state across various locations from 2019-20 to 2025-26 over seven years. These shoots have significantly boosted the local economy, with filmmakers spending substantial amounts and benefiting from government incentives under the state’s film policy.
In the financial year 2025-26 (up to December), 169 films completed shooting in the state. This follows a peak of 234 films in 2023-24—the highest recorded so far—with 196 and 169 films in the two preceding years. While numbers show some fluctuation, Uttarakhand remains a highly preferred filming hub.
The state’s proactive efforts have earned national recognition. Uttarakhand received a Special Mention as the Most Film-Friendly State at the 65th National Film Awards (for 2017) and won the Most Film-Friendly State award at the 66th National Film Awards (for 2018). It has also secured the National Tourism Award in 2017-18, highlighting its filmmaker-friendly policies and infrastructure.
Uttarakhand’s breathtaking natural beauty, verdant valleys, and diverse locations have made it a magnet for filmmakers.
In FY 2025-26 (up to December), 169 films wrapped shooting, following a peak of 234 in 2023-24. The state has earned national accolades, including ‘Most Film-Friendly State’ awards at the 65th and 66th National Film Awards. The updated 2024 Film Policy offers up to 50% reimbursement (max ₹2 crore) for eligible shoots, single-window clearance, and support for young talent via scholarships. —-
Banshidhar Tiwari, CEO, Uttarakhand Film Development Council
Under the Uttarakhand Film Policy, subsidies encourage shooting in the state. Filmmakers qualify for grants by submitting an affidavit confirming that over 75% of the shoot occurred at Uttarakhand locations. The updated Film Policy 2024 enhances incentives, offering up to 50% reimbursement of expenses incurred in the state (or a maximum of ₹2 crore, whichever is lower) for eligible films, particularly regional dialect productions. Additional support includes single-window clearance and other facilitations.
The Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun stands out as one of the most popular shooting spots. RTI data shows that from 2009 to 2024, FRI generated ₹1.11 crore in revenue from film shoots. The peak came in 2023 with ₹32 lakh, while recent years saw daily fees around ₹75,000. Earnings dropped during the COVID period (2020-2021) and stood at ₹6 lakh in 2024.
The board also supports young talent through scholarships. So far, four recipients have benefited: Ruchita Gupta (Nehru Colony) with ₹25,000, Sanjeev Kumar Bilwal (Niranjanpur Majra) with ₹25,000, Raj Verma (Udham Singh Nagar) with ₹1.90 lakh, and Shubham Sharma (Roorkee, Haridwar) with ₹25,000.
Uttarakhand’s valleys are increasingly becoming key locations for major films and web series. With robust policies, streamlined processes, and growing incentives, experts predict further growth in shoots, which will drive local economy, tourism, and employment opportunities in the years ahead.