Veteran director KC Bokadia has recently completed the shooting of his directorial Teesri Begum in Lucknow. Last year in June he shot a feature film The signature with actors Anupam Kher and Mahima Chaudhry. He is then ready for his third venture, titled Police Diary.
“I have experience of more than 60 films in 50 years and it is almost impossible to shoot anywhere without police protection and security, but in Uttar Pradesh people are extremely friendly. I never faced any problem while shooting here. Apart from locations, the government officials and the district administration have given us unparalleled support. That’s why in less than 18 months I will shoot my third film here”, says o Aaj Ka Arjun (1990) and Pyar Jhukta Nahin (1985) filmmaker.
Bokadia completed the shooting of his second film in 18 days with actors Amit Gaur, Mugdha Godse, Kainaat Arora and Rachna Shyam.
“We had a great shoot and for the climax, we had a great sequence with 380 cars, as the action is the backbone of the film and I didn’t want to compromise. We are preparing for its release The signature (directed by Gajendra Ahire) which received huge accolades at Namaste Vietnam Festival 2023. My daughter Sangeeta will also share the screen in both my films. The cast of my next has been locked and we will start shooting in October, in Lucknow,” he tells us.
Bokadia is of the view that the subsidy offered by the state government is definitely an addition. “For films in harmony ₹Budget subsidy of 5-10 crores is a huge help. It’s definitely a big incentive for mid-budget films.”
He has also completed Teri Meharbaniya-2, a sequel to his 1985 hit starring Jackie Shroff. “The film is almost ready, only a small part is left for shooting. This time it’s a tale of two dogs.”
Zeroing in on Noida Film City
Now that the upcoming mega Noida Film City has been divided into three parts, Bokadia wants to focus more on the project. “I am already in preliminary stage of talks with the UP government officials for 220 acres of land and we will start the work in three months and make it operational in a year. I had a meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath which ended on a very positive note. We will set up everything under one roof – training institute, studio, luxury hotel and replica airport, railway station and bus stand all in place for a perfect shoot,” says the director.
“Typical alcohol specialist. Music evangelist. Total travel scholar. Internet buff. Passionate entrepreneur.”