India Green-Lights Bond 23 Shoot

31st August 2011

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry of India (I&B Ministry) have officially given permission for the 23rd James Bond film to shoot in the country.

Reports of the negotiations, which have focused on the tricky aspect of shooting a stunt sequence atop freight trains on the busiest railway in the world, have been ongoing for several weeks. Steady progress has been made, despite rumours that filming may switch to South Africa. Today's confirmation green-lights the Bond 23 team to commence pre-production in India. The proposal was initially filed in May.

According the the latest report in the Times of India, EON Productions and India Take One Productions have been given permission to shoot in North Goa with the exception of the tunnel at Dudhsagar (south-eastern railway) and Zuari rail bridge over Zuari river (Konkan railways) due to security concerns. Sources said talks with the railway ministry were on regarding these particular locales. The ministry has also stated that it has no objection for shooting of the film at Mumbai and Goa, and has asked the crew to take all necessary precaution so as not to hurt the sentiments of local people.

Sources gave more location details to the Deccan Chronicle: "Clearance has been given by the government for shooting in Sarojini Nagar Market, Daryaganj street and Ansari Road in the national capital."

In Ahmedabad, the producers had sought permission to shoot near the Navagam area that is close to installations like Torrent Power limited, ONGC and IOC. The ministry has asked them to ensure that permissions are taken from the state government. "We have suggested that these vital installations be avoided during the shoot in this area," a source said.

MI6 understands that filming of Bond 23 in India with Daniel Craig will commence in January 2012.

Two major blockbusters have just completed shooting in India: "Batman - The Dark Knight Rises" and "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol".