The government of North Indian state Uttar Pradesh is aiming to compete with India's principal film-making centre, Mumbai, with a new film policy that includes upgrading facilities at the NOIDA Film City in the New Delhi suburbs.

The policy, which grants industry status to the local film sector, is intended to increase both film production and box office revenues in the region. Cinemas will be fitted with air conditioning and modern sound systems, and for the first time will be exempt from paying entertainment tax.

About 15 film studios have sprung up in the NOIDA film city area. Some of India's top producer-broadcasters such as Zee TV and Sahara TV operate from the centre.