BIFFes-2025: CM promises film city near Mysuru

Karnataka plans to build a world-class film city near Mysuru; Chief Minister emphasizes human values in cinema.

A world-class film city with all facilities will be built on a 150-acre plot near Mysuru shortly. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has already transferred the land parcel to the Information Department, and the work will begin soon, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said after inaugurating the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) - 2025 on the steps of Vidhana Soudha on Saturday evening.

“I hope this facility will encourage the production of world-class films that seamlessly blend human values with advanced technology,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that international film festivals are a reflection of global culture and should be leveraged to create meaningful and impactful cinema.

“With growing income inequality, there is growing social unrest and dissatisfaction,” he observed, and he urged the film industry to play an active role in addressing societal issues, fostering unity, and promoting progressive ideals through cinema. He said that is why the government had selected the theme of this year’s festival as “Sarva Janangada Shantiya Tota” (The garden of all communities). 

Recalling the films of Kannada thespian Dr. Rajkumar, Mr. Siddaramaiah said his films had stood the test of time as they were rooted in humanism and social harmony.

“Sadly, such values are often missing in contemporary cinema. I wish that the film industry moves towards greater humaneness and inclusivity in storytelling,” he said. He further cautioned that films should be a tool for enlightenment and progress, not regression by propagating superstitions and anti-Constitutional values. 

Actor Shivarajkumar, the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony, announced that he would restart film shoots on Monday. He has recently returned from the United States of America after undergoing surgery for bladder cancer.