Indian cinema icon Amitabh Bachchan recently met the creative team behind the upcoming feature film The Family I Chose, a project that will be filmed entirely in Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. The meeting took place in Mumbai on Sunday and is being seen as an encouraging moment for the filmmakers as they prepare to begin production later this year.The film’s writer, director, and producer Kankana Chakraborty, accompanied by Anita Rai, met the veteran actor following a personal invitation extended by him. The interaction, though brief, turned into a meaningful exchange where the legendary actor expressed genuine interest in the project and the plans associated with it. According to the film team, Mr. Bachchan asked several detailed questions about the storyline, the theme of the film, and the schedule planned for the shoot. He also enquired about the specific locations that would be used during filming and showed particular curiosity about how Gangtok would be presented on screen. The filmmakers shared that the entire shooting process is planned exclusively in Gangtok, with production expected to start in November this year.
Speaking after the meeting, Kankana Chakraborty said that the interaction with the senior actor was a memorable and motivating experience for the entire team. She described him as warm, humble, and encouraging, adding that his words of appreciation and blessings have given the production team renewed confidence as they move forward with preparations. She also noted that receiving good wishes from such a respected figure in Indian cinema is a proud moment not only for the filmmakers but also for Gangtok, which continues to emerge as an attractive destination for film productions. Film observers say that the decision to shoot the entire movie in Gangtok is significant because it highlights the growing interest of filmmakers in exploring locations in the northeastern region of India. Over the years, the scenic beauty, peaceful environment, and cultural richness of Sikkim have drawn attention from travel filmmakers and independent cinema creators. However, full-length feature films shot completely in the region remain relatively few, making The Family I Chose an important addition.The production team believes that the film will not only tell a meaningful story but will also naturally present the landscapes, streets, and cultural life of Gangtok to audiences across the country. By using real locations rather than studio sets, the filmmakers hope to bring authenticity to the visual storytelling while also giving viewers a closer look at the everyday charm of the hill city.
Local tourism and cultural observers feel that such film projects can indirectly support the state’s tourism sector. When audiences see scenic locations featured in movies, it often encourages travel interest and greater awareness about the region. In recent years, several state governments, including Sikkim, have taken steps to promote film shooting by offering support in permissions, logistics, and location facilitation, aiming to position their regions as film-friendly destinations. Members of the production team said that preparations for the November schedule are already underway. Location scouting, technical planning, and coordination with local authorities are being carried out to ensure that the shooting process moves smoothly once filming begins. They added that local talent and technical support from the region may also be included wherever possible, helping create a collaborative production environment.