Bollywood Film Fillip For Durban

11 August, 2008

_{The makers of the Bollywood film, Pince, shoot a scene outside the City Hall.
 Picture by Ken Mchunu.}

Story By Samantha Moodley

The Durban film industry is enjoying a fillip with the making of another Bollywood movie in the city. The filming of Prince “presents an incredible opportunity to showcase the city’s locations and people to global communities,” said Durban Film Office acting Chief Executive, Toni Monty.

Monty said high-action productions such as Prince were positive for Durban in terms of actual spending during filming here, and for the international exposure it brings the city. “We take great care in co-ordinating these productions and inform the public of planned activities well in advance. Facilitating a high action film is not a simple process, and road closures for filming can inconvenience residents, but the spin-offs are far reaching.

“Bollywood is the biggest producer of films globally, which are screened and distributed to audiences all over the world. Equally important, is the actual spend that takes place in the city in terms of crew hire, hotel beds, caterers, vehicles and equipment,” said Monty.

For the Film Office, the present interest in the city as a movie production destination is only the beginning. “The increased production activity in the city has provided an important training ground and networking opportunity for our local aspirant film-makers.

“We would like to see Durban established not only as a film-makers destination, but more importantly, as a world-class film production industry.“Durban has the advantage of good weather and a wide array of locations that makes it a choice destination for film-makers,” said Monty.

Filming for Prince continues in Durban until 20 August, with locations including City Hall, West Street, Oribi Gorge, Aliwal Street and Athlone Bridge.

The movie stars Bollywood heartthrob Vivek Oberoi, and revolves around the search for a rare gold coin. Producer Rakesh Maharaj said the movie has all the makings of a Bollywood hit –plenty of action, large doses of eye candy and a gang of trench coat clad bad guys.

Prince is due for release next year.

moodleysamantha@durban.gov.za

 

 

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