Kerala's proposed J.C. Daniel Film City to feature studio floors, gaming zones

The Kerala government's proposed J.C. Daniel International Film City in Ernakulam district is taking shape, with three revenue land sites shortlisted for the project. The facility, announced in the Revised State Budget for 2026-27, is expected to see construction begin within six months.

The Department of Culture has initiated informal consultations with actors, filmmakers, and production designers to identify infrastructure needs. Culture and Cinema Minister P. Vishnunadh noted that the lack of adequate studio floors of varying sizes is a major hurdle for Malayalam cinema, and the project aims to address this based on stakeholder feedback.

Planned facilities include state-of-the-art screening venues, pre- and post-production studios, an exhibition centre on cinema history, and a gaming and entertainment zone. The film city is designed to function year-round, not just for film shoots, with revenue-generating facilities offered to the industry at reasonable rates.

Industry representatives have suggested that modern infrastructure would help reduce production costs. Kerala Film Producers' Association president B. Rakesh said producers currently spend ₹1-1.5 lakh daily on studio floor rentals in Kochi, and subsidised rates at the film city could lower movie budgets.

The project will be developed under a public-private partnership model. Further discussions will focus on design, followed by preparation of a detailed project report and tender proceedings.