Two new Indian films to be shot in London in 2013

Two new Indian films are to be shot in London next year, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced.

Housefull 3, the latest film in the hugely successful franchise, will shoot entirely in London and the Mayor has also invited the film’s producer Sajid Nadiadwala to shoot his directorial debut Kick, starring Salman Khan, in London.

Post-production on both films, which have a combined budget of £35m, will take place in Soho.

The Mayor, who is on a visit to India to strengthen economic and cultural links with the country, today met with top level Indian filmmakers and producers in Mumbai.

Johnson commented: “I’m thrilled that Sajid Nadiadwala has chosen London as the backdrop for not one, but two of his brand new blockbusters. As our recent World Cities Culture Report shows, London and Mumbai are major players on the international stage for creativity and the arts. Filmmaking is massively important to both our cities and we need to build on the momentum that already exists.”

British producer and chair of Film London David Parfitt added: “We have a fantastic track record of successfully facilitating Indian productions which have shot in London and we want to build on this work for the benefit of both of our industries. It is an honour to come to Mumbai, the centre of India’s film industry, with the Mayor of London to meet with the industry and to announce two new films which will shoot in London next year.”

Also at the summit, the Mayor outlined the UK’s new Creative Sector Tax Relief, which comes into force in 2013 and is aimed at international companies producing TV, animation and games.