Road to Vizag as a filmmaking hub still under construction

Visakhapatnam: A filmmaker's paradise with stunning locations, rich heritage, and potential to become a thriving film industry hub.

A vibrant blend of natural beauty, heritage and modern amenities, Visakhapatnam is a filmmaker’s paradise. With its 30-kilometre marine drive, pristine beaches and a lush ecotourism park, the city offers cinematic gold at every turn. Add to that ancient temples, Buddhist heritage sites, the breathtaking ‘erramatti dibbalu’ (red sand dunes) near Bheemunipatnam, dating back 20,000 years, and the million-year-old Borra Caves, and you have a treasure trove of locations.

From the historic forts at Vizianagaram and Bobbili to the bustling film studios and training schools within the city, Visakhapatnam caters to every filmmaking need. It’s no wonder that almost every top star — from NTR and Rajinikanth to Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna — has graced its landscape. With a reputation for delivering blockbuster hits and a sentimental belief in its magic, it has firmly cemented itself as a hub for Indian cinema.

For directors like Suneel Kumar Reddy, who has shot over 10 films here, the city’s appeal lies in its versatility: “Vizag is a strategic place for filmmaking as you can find almost all the locations you need — beaches, hills, forests and almost anything in nature, within 100-km radius of the city.”

He adds that the cosmopolitan nature of Visakhapatnam is a big advantage for filmmakers: “For instance, if ethnic diversity is to be portrayed in a film, the city’s vibrant mix of people provides a rich talent pool, thanks to the presence of the Eastern Naval Command Headquarters and numerous PSUs and Central government organisations here.”

Reddy goes on to explain that Visakhapatnam is the only city in Andhra Pradesh, post bifurcation, with such a cosmopolitan culture. “The people are warm and welcoming. Unlike some other places, conflicts and confrontations are rare here, which is crucial for filmmakers looking for a harmonious setting.”

Geographically, Visakhapatnam’s proximity to Odisha and West Bengal gives it easy access to various east coast locations, he points out. “No wonder, Odia and Bengali films are being made in Vizag. Directors like Jandhyala, K. Viswanath and K. Balachander popularised the scenic places in and around the city through their films since the 1970s. Films like ‘Abhilasha’ and ‘Challenge’, featuring mega star Chiranjeevi at the height of his career, were shot here and turned out to be massive hits,” he recollects.

The director, however, notes that while animation and gaming facilities are available in the city, they are far from adequate. “Green mat studios are required. Unfortunately, the film industry is not priority for any government though they know that it’s a powerful medium, and contributes immensely to the economy of the State,” he says, adding that a comprehensive film policy must be formulated and implemented.