Moscow Courts Bollywood: Officials Promote the City as a Filming and Tourism Hub

X: @vivekbhavsar

Mumbai: In a strategic push to attract Bollywood filmmakers, Moscow is promoting itself as a prime destination for Indian film productions, highlighting its advanced infrastructure, safety, and cultural appeal. Russian officials have confirmed interest from Indian producers but stressed the need for strong financial backing and logistical planning to turn that interest into reality.

At a press conference held at the Sofitel Hotel in Mumbai, Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted Moscow’s initiatives to attract Bollywood filmmakers.

He emphasized the city’s efforts to attract more Indian film productions to Moscow, noting that while there is interest from Indian producers, this interest must be supported by detailed financial and logistical planning. Kozlov also discussed Moscow’s broader strategy to strengthen tourism ties with India, focusing on both leisure and business travel.

He mentioned that since the introduction of the e-visa system in August 2023, there has been a notable increase in Indian visitors to Moscow, especially in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The press conference was part of Moscow’s participation in the OTM International Tourism Exhibition in Mumbai, where the city aims to showcase its rich cultural, leisure, and business tourism offerings.

“We see the interest from Indian producers, but that interest should be backed by a solid financial and logistical foundation,” Mr. Kozlov stated. Russian authorities are working to create a supportive environment for Bollywood filmmakers, ensuring smooth collaboration and facilitation of film shoots in the city.

Moscow’s Expanding Cultural Engagement with India

He said that Moscow has already established cultural ties with India through initiatives like India Day and Yoga Day, organized in collaboration with the Indian embassy. These events, offered free of charge, have successfully showcased Indian traditions in Russia, reflecting the city’s commitment to fostering Indo-Russian ties.
The city has also hosted immersive festivals such as the recent Chinese New Year celebrations, which were so well received that the Chinese ambassador in Moscow called them a “best practice” and recommended them as a model for similar events in China. Moscow hopes to replicate this success by creating a Bollywood-friendly atmosphere that appeals to Indian filmmakers and tourists alike.

Moscow as a Safe and Vibrant Tourism Destination

Mr. Kozlov highlighted that beyond filmmaking, Moscow officials are also positioning the city as a safe and attractive tourism hub. He stated that Moscow’s extensive facial recognition technology and strict law enforcement ensure a secure environment and humorously noted that “there are no criminals in public transport,” emphasizing that crime is heavily deterred.
Moscow boasts tourist-friendly infrastructure, with over 200 English-speaking tourist police officers available to assist international visitors, providing both information and security.

He added that there are diverse attractions throughout the year. Whether in summer or winter, Moscow offers numerous activities for visitors, similar to globally renowned festivals like Oktoberfest. Moscow also caters to various dietary preferences, with dedicated vegan and vegetarian restaurants such as Avocado Queen Café. The trend of using alternative milk options like almond, banana, and soy in coffee is also becoming increasingly popular.

Bollywood’s Potential Impact on Moscow

With its rich history, grand architecture, and diverse landscapes, Moscow offers a unique backdrop for Bollywood films. Russian officials hope that increased Bollywood productions will boost tourism, strengthen economic ties with India, and enhance Moscow’s global image as a cultural melting pot.