Written by Tom Deehan on May 11, 2017. Posted in On Location / Production News

Tiger Zinda Hai moves production to Abu Dhabi for “huge” shoot

Bollywood blockbuster, Tiger Zinda Hai, has moved production to Abu Dhabi after recently concluding an extensive shoot in Tirol, Austria. The project is expected to film over a 65 day period, the longest shoot time of a feature film in the history of Abu Dhabi.

A custom-built 20,000 square metre backlot has been constructed for the film with the help of twofour54’s production services, whose previous credits include Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Fast & Furious 7.

Among the production’s chosen locations are Al Ain, Liwa and a number of undisclosed areas around the city.  The local military will also be present throughout the entirety of the shoot, depicting a fictional army on-screen.

Jassim Al Nowais, Manager of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission explains: “it’s going to be huge. We usually work with the military for one week or two weeks maximum, but having a military with you for 65 days is a first.”

Nowais continues: “[Ali Abbas Zafar, the film’s Director] is using a local crew, he is using the hotels, he is using logistics of transport, you have the lighting companies, you have some drone companies, special effects, props company – a lot is going on.”

Tiger Zinda Hai will tap into Abu Dhabi’s 30% cash rebate on filming. The incentive is available to a variety of production types including feature films and commercials, when a required minimum spend is met.

Due to its cash rebate and advanced infrastructure, Abu Dhabi has become an increasingly popular filming location among Bollywood productions. The Emirate recently hosted filming on Duvvada Jagannadham and Housefull 3.