Filmmaker Sekhar Kammula recently opened up about a surprising challenge during the making of his upcoming film, shooting in Mumbai. While the city is often seen as the heart of Indian cinema, Kammula revealed that filming there was anything but easy. “Getting permission to shoot in Mumbai was very difficult,” he said. “There are so many restrictions and conditions to follow. In fact, even bollywood filmmakers often go elsewhere to shoot. That itself shows how challenging it is.” According to the director, the crew faced delays and last-minute changes because of the complex approval processes. “We had to constantly adjust our schedules. Just managing a smooth shoot in that environment was a challenge in itself,” he added.
This problem isn’t unique to Indian cinema. Even in the United States, Hollywood has faced similar roadblocks. Former US President Donald Trump introduced reforms aimed at keeping American film productions within Los Angeles. He argued that many Hollywood studios were being forced to shoot abroad due to complicated permits, rising costs, and stricter regulations at home.
Despite these setbacks, Kammula and his team pushed through, determined to film key sequences in Mumbai. “There’s a unique vibe to the city that we couldn’t replicate anywhere else,” he explained. This reflection comes at a time when conversations about decentralising the film industry are growing. With regional filmmakers expanding their reach and global platforms like Netflix and Amazon opening new doors, there is increasing demand for shooting-friendly environments across cities. In India, we need to make shooting easier for filmmakers, not just in Hyderabad or for bollywood, but across the country, said an industry insider.
