India Gate and Connaught Place have given way to the Delhi Metro when it comes to depicting the Capital in films. While the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is loaded with applications seeking permission for shooting films, it actually does not rake in the moolah one would expect from the policy.
So far, only about a dozen advertisements and films have actually been shot inside the metro. More surprisingly, the total revenue earned by the DMRC through its “film shooting policy” amounts to just Rs.61 lakh.
“Most applications do not get approved as any proposal likely to disturb routine metro operations or compromise with safety and security are rejected,” said Anuj Dayal, Executive Director (Corporate Communications), DMRC. Scripts that have any direct or indirect reference to terrorism are also not favoured.
Another reason for requests being rejected is the exorbitant cost for the shoot, which is why most film-makers opt for the shot of a metro whizzing by, especially in front of Karol Bagh’s Hanuman temple, he added.
As per the policy, the DMRC charges a non-refundable fee ranging from Rs.75,000 to Rs.2 lakh per hour plus service tax as license fee for shooting within the metro premises. Besides, a refundable security deposit of Rs.3 lakh to Rs.5 lakh also has to be made.
“The charges depend upon the stations and trains used. A busy line costs more and vice versa. The film has to be made as per the script of the film shown to the DMRC and no negative projection of the metro is permitted,” said Mr. Dayal.
Metro officials, admit to having laughter riots in their department while reviewing the requests.
“The team of Salman Khan-starrer Kick wanted a shot of him running on top of the metro. Some other groups had sought to perform bike stunts on the station stairs. We cannot entertain such demands,” added an official.
The DMRC receives at least five to six applications on a monthly basis, most of which are verbal requests. However, there have been no requests from foreign film-makers so far.
The metro began operations in Delhi in 2002 and had two film shoots lined up the very next year.
The first-ever shooting done inside the metro premises was for an advertisement for Hero Honda CD Dawn and the first movie to be shot was Bewafaa.
“It was a huge affair at that time. Everyone — from Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Anil Kapoor and Manoj Bajpai — had come in November 2003,” recalled Mr. Dayal.
Apart from a number of advertisements and TV serials, some movies that used the metro include Subhash Ghai’s Black & White , Dev D , Dilli 6 , Love Aaj Kal,Paa and PK . The last movie to be shot was Katrina Kaif-starrer Fitoor .
However, the use of the metro has gradually evolved from shooting to film or brand promotion by film-makers and celebrities. Many personalities are now using the Delhi metro for promoting their movies or brands. “Using metro stations or taking a metro ride for promotional events is the new trend these days. Stars like Emraan Hashmi and Nargis Fakhri, besides several others, have done that,” he said.
“This is mainly because the metro is a place where one can make immediate contact with a large number of people at once. Besides, it also has a surprise element for the commuters. So it works.”
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