Film shoots return to Connaught Place

CP’s facade has been a fixture of films set in Delhi, but earlier, delay in permissions and opposition from traders meant only a lucky few braved the odds. But things are changing, with over 20 shoots in 2018 alone
Connaught Place has been a favourite with filmmakers whenever they wanted to show the capital on the big screen. But till around a couple of years back, shooting in CP was not an easy task for production houses, what with delay in getting permission from the police, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and opposition from the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA).But in the last one-and-a-half years, there has been a change. Line producers say that getting permission has become much easier and faster now.

From 2011 (above) to 2017 (below) we have followed how shooting in Connaught Place was a near-impossible task
In the last one year, more films have been shot in CP than at any other location in Delhi. The list of recent releases that shot in CP includes 'Badhaai Ho', 'Sui Dhaaga', 'The Accidental Prime Minister' and 'Veere Di Wedding'. In the past few weeks, Deepika Padukone ('Chhapaak'), Kangna Ranaut ('Panga') and Kartik Aaryan ('Love Aaj Kal’s sequel) have also shot here. We take a look at what has changed for filmmakers and production houses who are no longer sceptical about shooting in one of Delhi’s most iconic locations.
Deepika Padukone shot for 'Chhapaak' in CP earlier this month
20 shoots in CP in 2018, thanks to easy police permissions
It’s a known fact that if filmmakers have a Delhi story, or want to show Delhi in just a few scenes, they prefer showing CP. For example, in 'Sui Dhaaga', CP helps in showing the stark realities of the capital by juxtaposing a couple from an economically weaker section with the urban crowd. In Badhaai Ho, a young couple is shown strolling around CP – a daily sight on any given day.

Major production houses and directors are being drawn to CP again, thanks to easy police permission which now takes 24-48 hours, unlike previous years. Delhi Police officials say that in the last two years, they have expedited the permission process, and that’s the reason for the number of film shoots in the area going up. Madhur Verma, DCP New Delhi, says, “In the last one year, we have given permission to over 15 films to be shot only in CP. Apart from these films, a number of web series and documentaries have also been shot here.” Agreeing, a line producer says, “None of the agencies in Delhi keep a record of film shoots, but two-three years ago, even if three-four big budget films were shot in CP in a year, it was considered a big achievement for Delhi’s line producers. But now, the situation has improved to the point where only in 2018, over 20 projects were shot in CP.”
Ayushmann Khurrana in 'Badhaai Ho' (2018)
To avoid hassles, filmmakers don’t shoot in business hours
Between 2015 and 2017, the number of shoots in CP had drastically dropped because of delays in getting permission from the police and the NDMC, and opposition by the disgruntled NDTA. But the scene changed in the last one year. A line producer tells us, “Delhi Police and Delhi Traffic Police have helped us a lot with permissions, which is a major reason for the increase in film shoots recently. On-ground co-operation from traders also helps. Earlier, even after getting permissions from the police and the NDMC, many traders would protest against film shoots. But this hasn’t been the case in recent months, and we also ensure that our shoots don’t affect the shops’ business.” He adds, “Earlier, we were allowed to shoot only before 9am or after 9pm, but now, we can shoot till 12 noon. A few films, with indoor scenes in CP, have been shot in the afternoon too. We don’t actually need permission from the NDTA, but only from the Delhi Police and the NDMC, and both the authorities have been quite supportive.”

Traders of the area tell us that there hasn’t really been a ‘settlement’ between traders and line producers. On whether they don’t object to shoots any more, Atul Bhargava from the NDTA says, “CP’s inner circle, middle circle and the Regal area come under us. Our objection to film shoots is not baseless, they do affect our business. However, lately, a number of films have been shot in the area late at night and outside business hours. Our objection remains, and if our business gets affected, we will again complain to the police and the NDMC.”
Varun Dhawan in 'Sui Dhaaga' (2018)
Shoots go up despite CP’s high price tag
The popularity of CP can be gauged from the fact that even though the NDMC hiked the cost of shooting in CP from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh per day over a year back, the number of shoots has only gone up. A line producer tells us, “For production houses, the location fee of CP is definitely not cheap. But all filmmakers look to shoot in a place in Delhi which has a distinctive character, and CP is that place. A shoot in GK or Defence Colony won’t give the same optics.”

But a few line producers complain that apart from the regular shoot fee, they also have to shell out additional money just to ensure that a shoot happens smoothly. Javed Khan, a line producer, tells us, “Last month, the NDMC introduced a ‘parking permission’ fee. Earlier, we would mention while seeking permission that we’d park our vehicles without causing traffic disruptions. But now, we have to take separate permission for parking, which means paying more fees. Besides, an enforcement team is sent if we are shooting at locations that come under the NDMC, and they do a lot of nitpicking. For instance, if wires are strewn on the ground, or if vehicles are parked randomly, they fine us for that.”
Kartik Aaryan and Imtiaz Ali in CP during the shoot of the 'Love Aaj Kal' sequel earlier this month
NDMC officials argue that this is an essential process that they need to follow to ensure a hassle-free shoot. An NDMC official, without wishing to be named, says, “Be it the parking fee or providing additional security, it is to support the film’s crew. When vehicles are parked on the road and traffic gets blocked, then traders come to us to complain. Hence, all these arrangements are to help filmmakers. The enforcement team is present because in the past, we have received complaints about damage of property.”