AUCKLAND (Pacific Media Watch): Fiji’s economy is set to benefit from a $4.5 million budget Bollywood movie, which for the most part will be shot in Fiji.
“From the budget, we will be spending a lot in Fiji”, executive director Padmakumar Nair told The Fiji Times.
According to the executive director of the movie, 80 percent of it will be shot in Fiji. The shooting is expected to start on Wednesday in Suva.
The movie is called Santa Banta, and is described as a comedy thriller.
Locals involved
The movie will be shot at Suva’s Borron House, Kings Wharf, Novotel Lami Bay and along populated streets in Suva.
Seventy five locals are hired to work with the production crew, and according to Nair they can look forward to a generous salary and good treatment.
“Some of them (locals) are even acting in the movie. They are getting good pay, including accommodation and meals.”
Government help
Nair said the locations in Fiji are “picture perfect” for this movie and also gave credit to the Fijian government, which he said has been very helpful.
“The government has supported us a lot. They are very co-operative."
Santa Banta will be directed and produced by Akashdeep Sabir. The actors include well-known Bollywood stars such as Boman Irani, Neha Dhupia, model-turned-actress Lisa Hayden, Ram Kapoor and comedian Johnny Lever.
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Daniel Drageset
