KORAPUT: Koraput has rapidly transformed into a major destination for filmmakers, attracting big-budget production houses. The latest addition to this growing list is SS Rajamouli of Baahubali and RRR fame.
Rajamouli’s upcoming film is being shot in the scenic Talamali Hills under the Semiliguda block here for which actors Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran have arrived in Koraput. Actor Priyanka Chopra later joined the set.
Shooting for the film commenced on Thursday, drawing massive crowd which was eager to catch a glimpse of the celluloid stars. To manage the crowd, a three-layer security arrangement has been set-up in the area.
The film, produced under Durga Art banner, is set to feature several breathtaking locations across the district. District administration has granted permission for filming in Talamali and Deomali until March 28.
Reports indicate that the production team has booked all the lodges in Semiliguda to accommodate its 500-member crew, highlighting the scale of the project.
Koraput’s misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys are rapidly earning it the title of “Switzerland of India”. The district has gained popularity among filmmakers, thanks to viral social media reels by travel bloggers and drone photographers showcasing its untouched beauty.
Last year, several major movies, including Pushpa 2, directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun, were filmed in Machhkund, Lamtaput and Duduma. Director Anil Ravipudi also brought superstar Venkatesh to shoot Sankrantiki Bastunama in Baladda Cave. Producer Rajeev Reddy’s film Ghati, starring Anushka Shetty, was shot extensively in Deomali, Jeypore, Kolab, and Machhkund.
With back-to-back high-profile film shoots, Koraput is witnessing a tourism and economic boom. The influx of film crews and celebrities is benefiting local businesses, including hotels and transport services.
However, environmentalists are concerned that industrial expansion and mining projects could jeopardise Koraput’s pristine landscapes, potentially discouraging future film productions.