Meghalaya Completes First Feature Film Under Film Tourism Policy: A New Era for Creative Tourism

Published on November 23, 2025

Meghalaya, a picturesque state in Northeast India, is making waves in the world of film tourism with the completion of its first full-length feature film under its Film Tourism Policy. Directed by Guni Manchikanti and produced by Chitralayam Studios, the Telugu film Baa Baa Black Sheep recently finished a successful 25-day shoot across various scenic locations in the state, including the famous Sohra area. This achievement marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to promote tourism and creative industries.

The state government’s focus on leveraging the Film Tourism Policy is aimed at transforming Meghalaya into a prime destination for film shoots, creating both economic opportunities and enhancing the region’s global appeal. The policy is designed to promote the state’s beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and local talent, all while fostering tourism in areas beyond the traditional attractions.

• Meghalaya’s first feature film completed under Film Tourism Policy
• Baa Baa Black Sheep shot across key locations, including Sohra
• 25-day shoot engaged nearly 2,000 local workers
• Highlighting the state’s emerging film industry and tourism potential

Meghalaya’s ability to blend its stunning natural beauty with creative industries like filmmaking will undoubtedly put the state on the map as an emerging hub for cinematic tourism. With the success of the first film project, the region is poised to attract even more filmmakers, boosting both the film and tourism sectors.

The Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy: A Vision for Growth

Launched with the goal of supporting the state’s creative economy, the Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy aims to turn the state into a filmmaking hub by leveraging its unique assets. The policy not only promotes filmmaking but also focuses on creating employment opportunities, supporting local talent, and improving the tourism infrastructure.

Under this policy, the state government offers various subsidies and incentives to filmmakers, including:

• Up to Rs 1 crore or 25% of production costs for the first ten films
• Incentives for using local talent and producing content in local languages
• Support for premieres on Hello Meghalaya, the state’s official OTT platform

The policy also emphasizes the importance of cultural narratives and the role of local filmmakers in shaping the state’s film industry. By encouraging local-language content and showcasing the state’s natural beauty, Meghalaya is positioning itself as a unique destination for both domestic and international filmmakers.

Key Features of Meghalaya’s Film Tourism Policy:

• Up to Rs 1 crore subsidy or 25% of production costs for filmmakers
• Local-language content promotion, including Khasi, Garo, and Pnar
• Support for premieres on Hello Meghalaya OTT platform
• Focus on cultural narratives and local talent development
• Building film infrastructure and creating sustainable tourism

This policy is part of Meghalaya’s Vision 2032, which envisions the state’s creative economy as a key driver in reaching its goal of a $10 billion economy. Through film tourism, Meghalaya aims to boost economic growth, create new employment avenues, and establish itself as a destination for filmmakers and tourists alike.

The Impact of Baa Baa Black Sheep on Meghalaya’s Film Industry

The completion of Baa Baa Black Sheep is a major milestone for Meghalaya’s growing film industry. Directed by Guni Manchikanti, the Telugu film brought together local workers in various departments, providing jobs and hands-on training to nearly 2,000 residents. This has been hailed as one of the largest creative employment initiatives in the state’s history.

Not only does the film highlight the state’s capability to handle large-scale productions, but it also showcases Meghalaya’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, making it an attractive location for future film shoots. The film’s multilingual release, including a Khasi version, reflects the state’s commitment to promoting inclusive storytelling and cultural visibility.

Key Highlights of the Film’s Production:

• Shot across multiple scenic locations in Meghalaya, including Sohra
• 2,000 local workers engaged in various departments
• Multilingual release, including a Khasi version
• Demonstrates Meghalaya’s film-production readiness and capacity

The success of this project signals a promising future for film tourism in Meghalaya, with the state now being recognized as a potential filming destination for filmmakers from across India and beyond. The national premiere of Baa Baa Black Sheep in Hyderabad is expected to bring even more attention to the state’s film industry.

Promoting Meghalaya on a Global Stage: The Role of Hello Meghalaya

As part of its efforts to promote local talent and showcase the state’s filmmaking capabilities, the Tourism Department has launched Hello Meghalaya, an official OTT platform. With over 4.40 lakh downloads and 2 crore views, Hello Meghalaya has become an essential tool in promoting the state’s film and tourism industry. The platform features over 500 titles, including 83 feature films in local languages like Khasi, Garo, and Pnar.

By hosting local-language films and original content, Hello Meghalaya serves as a platform for both regional and national audiences to discover the state’s cultural heritage and tourism potential. The platform’s popularity underscores the growing demand for content from Northeast India and highlights the state’s role as a cultural hub in the region.

Hello Meghalaya’s Impact:

• Over 4.40 lakh downloads and 2 crore views
• 83 feature films in Khasi, Garo, and Pnar available
• A platform for promoting local talent and regional content
• Supporting the state’s film industry and tourism promotion

Through Hello Meghalaya, the state has created a space where local stories and cultural narratives can thrive, increasing awareness of the state’s rich cultural landscape and tourist attractions.

Meghalaya’s Vision for 2032: Creative Industries and Tourism as Key Growth Drivers

As part of its Vision 2032, Meghalaya aims to position film tourism as a key driver of economic growth. The state is committed to improving its tourism infrastructure, building filmmaking facilities, and creating a sustainable ecosystem that supports both the creative industries and tourism. The goal is to not only boost the state’s economy but also to establish Meghalaya as a global destination for film production and tourism.

By continuing to support the Film Tourism Policy, Meghalaya is tapping into the lucrative film industry and the growing demand for cinematic tourism. As more filmmakers discover the state’s diverse landscapes, local culture, and skilled workforce, Meghalaya is poised to become a leading filmmaking destination in India.

Conclusion: Meghalaya’s Growing Film Tourism Potential

Meghalaya’s successful completion of its first feature film under the Film Tourism Policy is a significant milestone for the state. The film, Baa Baa Black Sheep, highlights the state’s film production capabilities, tourism potential, and commitment to cultural visibility. With continued support for local talent, a focus on inclusive storytelling, and the growth of platforms like Hello Meghalaya, the state is well-positioned to become a major player in the film tourism industry.

Meghalaya’s Vision 2032, which highlights the importance of tourism and creative industries, sets the stage for a future where the state’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and film industry attract tourists and filmmakers from all over the world. By embracing film tourism as a catalyst for growth, Meghalaya is set to become a key destination for both creatives and adventurers.