The Abu Dhabi Film Commission is set to work with one of India’s most anticipated Bollywood movies, Tiger Zinda Hai. The Yash Raj Films production will have its longest shoot in the Emirate, and will be Abu Dhabi’s longest feature film project to date with a filming schedule of 65 days.
The film is a sequel to the blockbuster film Ek Tha Tiger and will be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif will star in the larger than life production, along with a strong supporting cast.
Tiger Zinda Hai will commence filming in the Emirate May 4, taking advantage of Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s 30 percent rebate. Twofour54’s film and TV Services division will provide production services and, as part of the agreement, twofour54 and Yash Raj Films have already begun construction of a 20,000 square meter back lot. Around 150 workers will be on site for a total 100 days to create the film’s main set, many of whom helped to build the Star Wars set in Abu Dhabi in 2013. The production will also film at 20 other locations around Abu Dhabi before moving to the set.
A crew of 300 is expected to work on the production, with Abu Dhabi-based freelancers working alongside crewmembers from India, the US and the UK. Demonstrating the government’s support for Abu Dhabi’s growing production industry, the UAE military is providing military equipment, including helicopters, during the shoot.
CEO of Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi, Maryam Al Mheiri said, “Abu Dhabi is gaining traction in India as the emerging new home of Bollywood, as a result of what we can offer this dynamic industry: a generous 30 percent rebate, a huge variety of locations, and crew with Bollywood experience. With four previous Bollywood productions under our belt, we have built up considerable understanding of this unique format and we look forward to working with the Yash Raj Films team to ensure a smooth and successful shoot while they are with us in Abu Dhabi.
Ali Abbas Zafar, the film’s director said, “A film like Tiger Zinda Hai requires a certain scale, which we found in Abu Dhabi. Keeping all the practical measures in mind, the kind of support we’ve had from Abu Dhabi Film Commission and twofour54 on the infrastructure was phenomenal. That, along with some stunning locations, makes shooting in Abu Dhabi really special.”
Salman Khan, who plays the title role said, “Tiger Zinda Hai is a film of sizeable scale and context. Abu Dhabi, with a variety of locations and gracious hosts, is ideal to shoot for a film like this one. I hope that the entire unit will enjoy our time here.”
Katrina Kaif said, “Tiger Zinda Hai shifts to different locations across the globe, and Abu Dhabi fits in perfectly with our story. Additionally, it provides all the comforts and conveniences that a film unit needs. I look forward to shooting in eye-catching locations and on the impressive set here.”
In addition to Tiger Zinda Hai, Abu Dhabi has hosted four other Bollywood film productions including Bang Bang! and Baby, which both filmed in 2014; as well as Dishoom (filmed in 2016) and DJ (filmed in 2017). Abu Dhabi Film Commission and twofour54 have hosted several events in Mumbai in the past two years to promote Abu Dhabi as a filming location to the Indian industry.
A number of Hollywood films and international television formats have also embraced Abu Dhabi as a filming destination, adding to the Emirate’s production industry credentials. These include: Fast & Furious 7, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Deliver Us from Evil.
Abu Dhabi Film Commission http://www.film.gov.ae/
Twofour54 www.twofour54.com