Ernakulam administration identifies 30 acres for J.C. Daniel Film City

30-acre land at Kinfra’s Petrochemicals Park in Ambalamugal proposed for Keralam govt’s J.C. Daniel Film City project

The Ernakulam district administration has identified a 30-acre parcel at Kinfra’s Petrochemicals Park in Ambalamugal for the proposed J. C. Daniel film city project and forwarded the proposal to the Keralam government.

The government plans to establish the film city under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The identified land is located within the Petrochemicals Park, which is spread over around 481 acres, according to sources.

Ambalamugal site selected for connectivity

The authorities considered multiple revenue land options during the initial stage of the project.

They eventually zeroed in on Kinfra’s land in Ambalamugal because of its improved connectivity and access.

The film city is being planned as a one-stop destination for film shooting, making access an important consideration in selecting the location.

The Department of Culture had sought feedback from stakeholders in Malayalam cinema while shortlisting an ideal location for the project.

The government preferred Revenue land to reduce the cost involved in acquiring private land for the venture.

The district administration had been instructed to identify around 25 to 30 acres of Revenue land, including sites earmarked for industrial development, according to officials.

The 30-acre parcel identified at the Kinfra park is therefore within the land range that the district administration had been asked to examine.

The proposal will now be considered by the Keralam government as it works towards taking forward the film city project.

Facilities under consideration

The proposed film city is expected to include studio floors, entertainment and gaming zones, and exhibition centres chronicling the history of Malayalam cinema.

State-of-the-art screening facilities and a virtual production studio are also among the key facilities under consideration.

The government has received suggestions to invite private investment for setting up premium hotels at the film city.

Other suggested facilities include pre- and post-production studios, along with space for film previews and audio and trailer launches.

These proposals indicate that the project is being planned not only as a location for shooting but also as a site containing several film-related facilities.

Project proposal to follow consultations

The Keralam government had included the film city project in the revised Budget 2026-27 presented by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio, on June 19, 2026.

A detailed project proposal will be formulated after the government considers suggestions that emerged from consultations involving various sections of Malayalam cinema.

The government will also rope in experts to develop a unique design for the proposed film city, according to sources.

The identification of the Ambalamugal land marks the location stage of a project whose facilities, design and private investment model are still being worked out.

Source: The Hindu