If you plan to head out for a day trip within Chennai, consider visiting the MGR Film City, located in Taramani, Chennai. It is a famous entertainment complex dedicated to the legacy of M.G. Ramachandran, a legendary actor and former Tamil Nadu chief minister. The film city was thrown open to the public in 1994, and it spans over 100 acres and is proudly serving as a central hub for film and television production in South India. Read further to know about the various attractions of the film city. Resorts in Chennai enables you to stay in the outskirts of the city and enjoy a roundabout tour.
MGR Film City – What are the Specialities?
- Exclusive Film Sets: There are many sets of historical places, urban, and rural landscapes of India that are exact replicas and are well suited for filming purposes.
- Production Facilities: The film city has several state-of-the-art facilities that largely contribute to film and television production.
- Themed Areas: If you are a film-maker, and looking for themed areas like Mughal and Japanese sets, the film city has apt, unique backdrops that help you film within tight budgets.
- Entertainment Facilities: If you are doing a casual visit with family, there are many entertainment facilities for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
- Museum: There is also a museum dedicated to Shri. M.G. Ramachandran, showcases his contributions to the film industry and his life as a public figure. Your search for ‘Family Resorts Near Me’ provides a lot of affordable options in Chennai, that offers you a good stay with palatable food.
- Guided Tours: If you want to know how movie scenes are shot, you can book guided tours. You will get to know behind-the-scenes interesting shooting techniques through these tours.
- Tourist Destination: If you are interested in filmmaking or a film-tech student, you can catch a glimpse into the world of filmmaking and learn the basics of how shooting is carried on, as many small and big-budget movies are shot in different places of the film city every day.
- Cultural Significance: There are many facilities and sets inside the film city that are a proof to the powerful cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. These sets also prove the states’ dominance in the movie and television industries in the country.
MGR city Chennai—Why the name?
The film city is named after Dr. M.G. Ramachandran, a humanitarian, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and a renowned actor. He was the founder and leader of the ADMK, a prominent political party in the state. Dr. Ramachandran was also an active member of the actors’ union and provided valuable support and guidance to the Tamil Nadu actors’ association. His legacy is still remembered today in the state, and the film city was established in honor of his contributions and services to the Tamil film industry.
What Are The Activities For Which The MGR Film City Is Used?
Popular Daily Soaps
Many long-running daily soap operas in Tamil and other Indian languages have extensively used the MGR Film City for their indoor and outdoor shooting needs. These serials often feature elaborate sets and require versatile locations to depict various settings according to the storyline.
Reality Shows
Several reality shows, including game shows, award functions, corporate events, talent competitions, and cooking shows, have been filmed at the MGR Film City. The film city’s spacious grounds and adaptable sets provide convenient backdrops for these kinds of programs. Resorts Near Mahabalipuram allows you a comfortable stay with family and enjoy the tourist spots in Chennai.
Historical Dramas
Due to the availability of historical and period-specific sets, the MGR Film City has been a preferred location for historical dramas, short films, docudramas, and mythological series. These productions often require authentic-looking settings to accurately mirror the chosen era, which were provided with unparalleled quality within the film city.
MGR Film City Chennai – Some Interesting Facts
You will be taken aback to see some fascinating themed areas like Mughal and Japanese sets inside the film city. Also, it is to be noted that Queen Elizabeth II visited the MGR Film City during her tour of India in 1997. There are gorgeous film sets and village backdrops against which the visitors enjoy clicking MGR film city photos. Not just used to film cinemas and television series, the film city is also being used for hosting various colorful events, award ceremonies, and art exhibitions. This iconic film city has undergone several changes and transformations over the years, and the Tamil Nadu state government has many plans to develop it as a knowledge park to be used by the student community.
Chennai Film City—List of Films That Are Shot Here
The MGR Film City has been the backdrop for numerous Tamil and even some Bollywood films. Many blockbusters from Bollywood to Kollywood have been shot here. Here is a list of a few notable movies that were shot here and won the hearts of millions of audiences.
- Tamil Films
- Avvai Shanmughi
- Mudhalvan
- Hey Ram
- 7 Aum Arivu
- 2 States
- 96
- Kaithi
- Andhagan
- Bollywood Films
- 2 States
MGR Film City – General Guidelines To Be Followed In Shooting Films
- To initiate a project at MGR Film City, one must first submit a formal application to the concerned authorities. This application should comprehensively detail the project, including the title, a synopsis of the script, the shooting schedule, and the specific locations within the film city that are intended for use.
- Following this, you need to obtain the necessary approvals from the concerned departments. A location scouting trip should be conducted to finalize these sites based on the project’s requirements, while also discussing logistical and technical aspects with film city authorities.
- Fees can vary significantly depending on location, shoot duration, and other factors. Therefore, direct inquiries with Film City about current rates are recommended. Once the fees have been determined, the necessary transactions should be made according to the agreed-upon schedule.
- Coordination with the film city authorities will allow for the finalization of the shooting schedule, ensuring smooth operations and minimal conflicts with other productions.
- Plan well to coordinate logistics such as transportation and equipment movement within the premises. Throughout the entire process, strict adherence to the rules and regulations imposed by MGR Film City—covering aspects like noise levels, safety protocols, and cleanliness—is essential to ensure a successful filming experience.
To conclude, it is thrilling, fun and through amusement to visit the MGR film city in Chennai. Resort Hotel in OMR helps you by providing a relaxed stay to visit the important places within the city. Enjoy a day trip to this fabulous place with friends and family and make it a memorable one!