Meghalaya completes first feature film under its film tourism policy, 2025

The completion of the first film under the Policy arrives at a pivotal moment for Meghalaya, whose Vision 2032 identifies tourism and the creative economy as two of the ten primary drivers to transform the State into a USD 10 billion economy by 2028 and USD 16 billion economy by 2032.

Meghalaya achieved a major creative milestone with the completion of the first full-length feature film under the Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy 2025, marking a new chapter in India’s emerging film destinations. The Telugu feature Baa Baa Black Sheep, directed by Guni Manchikanti and produced by Chitralayam Studios, has completed its entire shoot in the State, with every frame captured across Meghalaya’s dramatic landscapes, particularly in Sohra. Shot in a remarkably efficient 25 days, the film employed nearly 2,000 local youth across various departments, making it one of the State’s largest creative employment initiatives to date and a landmark example of Meghalaya’s growing film-production capabilities.

 Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister while acknowledging the achievement, noted that the film symbolises the State’s creative ambitions, production readiness, and the powerful potential of the Film Tourism Policy. He said, “Under the Meghalaya Film Policy, the first movie has been completed. This is a Telugu film shot within 25 days, and 100% of the shots or the shooting took place right here in Meghalaya, mostly in the Sohra area. You will be happy to know that close to 2000 of our youths-our local boys and girls, were employed during the shooting of this film. I am very happy, and I hope that many more such films will come, and Meghalaya will become a very popular destination for this.” His remarks underline both the economic impact and the aspiration to build Meghalaya into a preferred national creative hub.

Producer Venu Donepudi lauded the State’s support, the efficiency of local teams, and the favourable policy environment that enabled the project to be completed at record pace. He said, “It has been a great experience; under your leadership and the beautiful people of Meghalaya, we were able to complete the film- a film of this scale, in less than 30 days, which is around 25 days, and is going to be a record in itself. This film is going to be released in Khasi as well, and we would like to invite you for the premiere in Hyderabad.” His statement reflects the confidence national filmmakers now place in Meghalaya’s creative ecosystem and its ability to support large-scale, multilingual productions.

The completion of the first film under the Policy arrives at a pivotal moment for Meghalaya, whose Vision 2032 identifies tourism and the creative economy as two of the ten primary drivers to transform the State into a $10 billion economy by 2028 and USD 16 billion economy by 2032. With its unique terrain, rich cultural identity, and young population, Meghalaya is positioning itself as a dynamic centre for storytelling, content creation, and film-led tourism. The Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy 2025 strengthens this vision by offering a comprehensive package of financial incentives, streamlined approvals through the Invest Meghalaya Portal, and institutional support designed to attract national and international productions. The Policy’s objectives include boosting tourism through films, upskilling local talent, strengthening cultural narratives, generating employment, and developing filmmaking infrastructure across districts. Subsidies range up to INR 1 crore or 25% of the production cost for the first ten films, with additional grants for local filmmakers, films that use local cast or music, and productions that choose to premiere on Hello Meghalaya, the State’s official OTT platform.