Suniel Shetty meets Bihar CM Samrat Chaudhary, plans October film shoot
Synopsis
Suniel Shetty's Patna visit wasn't just a courtesy call — he left with a concrete October shoot plan and a 50-to-60-day schedule on the table. With Bihar actively courting Bollywood productions and the Hindi heartland's box-office clout well established, the meeting signals a tangible shift in how the state is positioning itself on India's film-production map.
Key Takeaways
Suniel Shetty met Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary in Patna on 10 August .
The meeting focused on Bihar's film production policies and opportunities for shooting in the state.
Shetty plans to return for a film shoot in October , with his team staying for 50 to 60 days .
A location-scouting team is expected to arrive in Bihar within the next week .
Shetty noted that films succeeding in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have a strong chance of becoming major box-office hits.
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty met Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary in Patna on Monday, 10 August, to explore film shooting opportunities in the state. The meeting covered Bihar's cinema-friendly policies, art, and the government's push to position the state as a premier filming destination.
What Was Discussed
Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary shared details of the meeting on social media after it concluded. Shetty described the discussion as positive, noting that the Bihar government has introduced several film production and shooting policies designed to attract filmmakers. He said there was a productive exchange about the possibilities for large-scale film production in the state.
October Shoot and Location Scouting
Shetty revealed concrete plans to return to Bihar for a film shoot in October, with his team expected to stay in the state for approximately 50 to 60 days. A location-scouting team is set to arrive within the next week to identify suitable sites. Once locations are finalised, pre-production preparations will begin. The team also plans to explore different parts of Bihar to identify further filming opportunities beyond the primary shoot.
Bihar's Cultural Pull and Market Potential
Shetty praised the warmth of Bihar's people and highlighted the state's rich cultural heritage. He observed that Bihari communities remain deeply connected to their roots even after relocating to cities such as Mumbai, preserving their culture wherever they live.
On the commercial side, Shetty noted that films performing well in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have a strong probability of becoming major box-office successes — underlining the region's significant audience weight in Hindi cinema.
Bihar's Growing Film Destination Ambitions
Shetty described the meeting with Chief Minister Chaudhary as a positive development for Bihar's film industry and expressed optimism about the state's growing potential. This comes amid broader efforts by several state governments across India to attract Bollywood productions through subsidies, single-window clearances, and location incentives. Bihar's move signals its intent to compete in that space.
If the October schedule proceeds as planned, it could mark one of the more substantial Bollywood productions to be filmed extensively within Bihar, potentially boosting local employment and tourism in the region.
Point of View
Not just a courtesy — Bihar is actively competing for Bollywood footprint at a time when states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have already carved out reputations as go-to shooting destinations. The real measure will be whether Bihar's policy framework translates into sustained productions or remains a one-off headline. The 50-to-60-day schedule, if it materialises, would be meaningful; but the state needs a track record of smooth clearances and infrastructure support to make the pitch stick beyond this visit.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Suniel Shetty visit Bihar?
Suniel Shetty visited Bihar to meet Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and explore film shooting opportunities in the state. The meeting covered Bihar's cinema-related policies and the government's efforts to attract Bollywood productions.
When does Suniel Shetty plan to shoot in Bihar?
Shetty has revealed plans to begin a film shoot in Bihar in October, with his team expected to stay in the state for approximately 50 to 60 days. A location-scouting team is set to arrive within the next week.
What policies has the Bihar government introduced for film shoots?
According to Shetty, the Bihar government has introduced several policies related to film production and shooting in the state, though specific details of those policies were not disclosed at the meeting.
Why is Bihar and UP important for Bollywood box-office performance?
Shetty noted that films performing well in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have a strong probability of becoming major successes, reflecting the region's large Hindi-speaking audience base and its significant contribution to Hindi film revenues.
What happens after the location scouting is complete?
Once Shetty's team identifies suitable filming sites across Bihar, pre-production preparations will begin ahead of the planned October shoot. The team also intends to explore multiple parts of the state for additional filming opportunities.
