Bihar-Building Bihar’s Film Future: Inside the 2024 Policy Push

By Pickle  May 10, 2026

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For decades, Bhojpuri cinema has managed to survive purely on audience loyalty and  personal investments from Bihar and its diaspora, including those in Nepal, Mauritius, and Fiji. The Government of Bihar is determined to change this and the introduction of Bihar Film Promotion Policy 2024 is a strategic push towards this direction. The government aims to reposition Bihar as a serious player in the Indi’s Film Economy and give a flip to Bhojpuri cinema.

The Policy reflects that the state government is commitment towards promoting film production, film tourism, encouraging investments in film production, establishing film-related infrastructure, skilling and strengthening employment opportunities. It aims to promote the film industry in Bihar and showcase & promote the state’s invaluable heritage, culture, and cinematic destination. The Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation (Film Corporation), under The Department of Art, Culture and Youth has been appointed the nodal department for implementing the Policy in a efficient manner.

The Policy Catalyst

With  a dedicated Film Facilitation cell, attractive financial incentives, simplified online single window permission process and push towards advanced production infrastructure the policy is expected to attract producers both nationally and internationally and position Bihar as a global film making destination. The incentives  are structured as given below –

Additionally, bonus amount can be accessed by films with

• Over 75% shooting in Bihar and prominently showcase the state are eligible for an additional grant of up to ₹50 lakh
• Bihar Centric Stories – Up to 50% of the project cost or ₹22 crore (whichever is lower)
• Additional grant of up to ₹25 lakh for at least three main-level local artistes  or up to ₹10 lakh for at least five secondary-level local artistes
•  Films in regional languages such as Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi, Angika, and Bajjika – Up to 50% of the total cost ceiling

TV serials / shows shooting in the state can avail financial assistance  of Up to Rs. 50 lakh or 25% of the total construction cost (COP) for 45 days shoot and Up to Rs. 1 crore or 25% of the total COP, whichever is lower for Minimum 9 0 d a y s of shooting. Additional assistance is provided for providing adequate work opportunities to artist from Bihar.

For Web series to be streamed on OTT platforms – financial assistance of upto to Rs. 3 crore or 25% of the COP for Minimum 70% of total shooting days or 60 days of shoot in the state.

Financial assistance for documentaries to be shot in Bihar of Rs. 30 lakh or equivalent to 50% of the total production cost, whichever is less, is provided to encourage experienced and reputed documentary filmmakers to produce documentaries on tourist places, wildlife, history, heritage, culture, food, handicrafts, religious festivals and heritage/history stories related to the state. Further, for documentaries to be released internationally, financial assistance of up to Rs. 40 lakh or equivalent to 50% of the total production cost, whichever is less, is provided.

These incentives makes Bihar one of the most competitive States towards promoting filming in the country along with Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.

Building Infrastructure: The Rajgir Film City and beyond

The Government has also proposed a state of the art film City in Rajgir, located around 70 Kms from Patna. The Film City is envisioned as a modern production hub with studios, post production facilities, training facilities etc.  Further, grants up to the tune of Rs 150 Lakhs or 25% of the total project are provided for setting up of film production and processing related infrastructure and service infrastructure in the State.

The State Government is also planning to develop a special roadmap to promote certain standards of physical amenities and technology in cinema halls, take action to restructure closed/loss-making cinema halls and restart commercial activities such as smaller cinema halls with a capacity of 125 or more seats.

Synergy of Culture and Commerce

The Bihar Film Promotion Policy. 2024 is not just an economic initiative—it is also a cultural and developmental one. By supporting Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi films, the state is actively promoting regional languages and identities. Plans for film festivals and cultural showcases further reinforce this goal, aiming to give regional cinema greater visibility on national and international platforms.

The real test, however, lies in execution. If the policy translates into tangible improvements in infrastructure, storytelling, and global reach, Bihar could emerge as a new filmmaking destination—and Bhojpuri cinema could evolve from a regional powerhouse into a nationally and internationally recognized industry.

For now, the spotlight is firmly on Bihar—and the next act is just beginning.

Incentive Highlights: Bihar Film Promotion Policy 2024

• Up to 50% subsidy on production costs for Bhojpuri and other regional films
• 25–30% incentives for Hindi and non-regional language films shooting in Bihar
• Up to 25% subsidy for TV series/ shows and Web series
• Up to 50% for documentary projects
• Bonus subsidies for hiring local artists, technicians, and crew
• Single-window clearance for faster, hassle-free shooting permissions
• Reduced or waived location fees for government-owned sites
• Tax rebates and fee exemptions on select production expenses
• Financial support for promotion, including film festivals and global distribution
• Special grants for regional cinema (Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi) with cultural or social themes

Designed to attract filmmakers, boost local talent, and position Bihar as an emerging production hub.