Chandigarh: The Government of Punjab has unveiled the Punjab Film Promotion Policy 2026, aiming to transform the state into a major hub for film production by offering lucrative incentives and streamlined approvals for filmmakers and investors. The announcement was highlighted during a panel discussion in the Media and Entertainment session at the Progressive Punjab Investor’s Summit 2026 held at Plaksha University in Mohali. Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to providing full facilitation through a single-window clearance system and a supportive environment for film shoots across the state.

Speaking at the event, Pannu emphasized that filmmakers and production crews would receive hassle-free permissions and government support, with plans to appoint a nodal officer to further streamline the process. He highlighted Punjab’s strong infrastructure, including two international and four domestic airports, which makes the state easily accessible to the global Punjabi diaspora. Meanwhile, Amit Dhaka, CEO of Invest Punjab, announced that the policy offers a 25% capital subsidy on production costs incurred in Punjab up to ₹3 crore for films, documentaries, and web series, while Punjabi-language films will receive a 30% subsidy up to ₹3.5 crore. The policy also provides 20% capital subsidy for setting up film cities, studios, VFX units, and training institutes.

Officials noted that Punjabi cinema and music already have a strong global presence, with Punjabi content occupying nearly 40% of digital and OTT platform space. Ramvir, Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department, said the new policy seeks to harness Punjab’s cultural strength and promote infrastructure development, skill training, and global outreach. Industry leaders including Dinesh Auluck of Speed Records, Sandeep Bansal of Chaupal, and Iqbal Cheema of Punjab Film City welcomed the initiative, stating that it would create a vibrant ecosystem for filmmaking and help position Punjab as a global centre for media and entertainment.
