Written by David Lewis on Oct 2, 2009. Posted in On Location

Bollywood meets Bulawood

Fiji may be a nation spread across hundreds of islands, over thousands of miles of ocean, but their concise and generous range of film incentives show they are focused on remaining competitive as a filming destination. This was reiterated in 2009 when the Fiji Audio Visual Commission (FAVC) increased their Tax Rebate Programme, aimed specifically at fully funded foreign productions, from 15% to 35%.

But not all productions who choose to shoot in the region are lured by the incentives. Some, like Fiji's first Bollywood production Pump up the Mandali, come simply for the authenticity of its locations backed up by experienced local cast and crew who have worked on everything from large feature films to reality television shows.

Sharon Smith-Johns, Chairperson at the FAVC, said: “Bollywood productions are great news for us because the production will be bringing an impressive lineup of Indian stars and crew to Fiji."

Purple Post Productions, with offices in New Zealand, shot significant parts of the film in locations selected by the film’s Producer and Director, Monti Issar and Director of Photography, K N Baig. They included Ba, Nadi and Sigatoka in the western part of the main island, Viti Levu and a number of locations in the capital Suva.

Pump up the Mandali, a light hearted musical drama about four Fijian boys, will target the large Fiji and Indian communities all over the world including the United States, Canada, England, Australia, West Indies and New Zealand. The film is now in post-production and is set for an early November release. It will be released in India under the title Jai Ho Rock Mandali.

Florence Swamy, Marketing and PR Manager at the FAVC, added: "The exposure that Fiji will get once this film is released will no doubt publicise Fiji as a production destination and the additional spin-off to tourism will be significant. This movie, we’re confident, will put on display the best of local talent, facilities and locations available for film production."

Other productions that have been in Fiji recently include House Hunters International, who shot two episodes in the country, a documentary on Sharks for Discovery Channel, a NBC Reality show shot at Namale Island, and a photo shoot for Marie Claire.

More Bollywood productions are also expected to land on Fiji's shores imminently. Production on Mohammed Burmawala’s Prankster is expected to start soon while Abbas Mastan's Players won't be far behind. The FAVC has also set up a Bollywood Committee consisting of locals with links to the Indian film industry to entice even more productions. Fiji's nickname, Bulawood, seems to becoming more appropriate by the day.