Actor Akshay Kumar lauds UP film policy

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has lauded the new film policy of the Uttar Pradesh government and said that more facilities to shoot films and the welcoming attitude of the state government was drawing filmmakers to the state.

In the state capital to shoot "Jolly llB 2", which is being shot at the Chattar Manzil, Akshay told Film Bandhu officials that he was bowled over by the help and co-operation extended by the state government.

Navneet Sehgal, Principal Secretary (Information), who is also the chairman of the Film Bandhu, told IANS that the state had prepared a new film policy on the directives of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and it has been a hit since the day it was rolled out.

Dozens of films are being shot in the state, he informed while claiming that the goodwill index of Uttar Pradesh has gone up under the present dispensation.

The state, he added, has scenic locales for film shoots, including places of historical, religious and natural significance. Officials said more than four dozen requests for shooting in the state have been received by the Film Bandhu and were being processed.

"Jolly llB 2" is sequel to an earlier film which starred Arshad Warsi and was set in western Uttar Pradesh. Other than Akshay, the film has Huma Qureshi in the lead role and Annu Kapoor.

The film is being produced by Fox Star Studios Private ltd and is being directed by Subhash Kapoor. After the shooting in lucknow, it will later be shot in Varanasi.