Meghalaya has reached a major milestone in its push to become a national filming hub, after the State completed its first full-length feature film under the Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy 2025. The Telugu crime-comedy Baa Baa Black Sheep wrapped a 25-day shoot entirely inside Meghalaya, with Sohra serving as the film’s primary backdrop.
The project, directed by Guni Manchikanti and produced by Chitralayam Studios, engaged nearly 2,000 local workers across production-related departments — including set construction, art teams, transport, sound, extras, logistics and catering. Officials say no previous project has involved such a large local workforce in Meghalaya’s creative sector.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the film demonstrates the State’s production capability and the success of the Tourism Policy. He highlighted that “100 per cent of the shots took place right here in Meghalaya” and noted the participation of “close to 2000 of our youths.” He expressed confidence that many more national-level productions will now choose Meghalaya “as a very popular destination.”
Producer Venu Donepudi called the support experience “great,” adding that completing a film “of this scale” in about 25 days “is going to be a record in itself.” He confirmed a Khasi-language release and invited the Chief Minister to attend the national premiere in Hyderabad.
The milestone aligns with Meghalaya Vision 2032, which identifies tourism and the creative economy as primary economic growth drivers. The Film Tourism Policy provides subsidies of up to ₹1 crore or 25% of production costs for the first ten films, along with incentives tied to local hiring and regional-language content.
As Baa Baa Black Sheep heads to post-production, it is being viewed as a landmark achievement that positions Meghalaya as a rising destination for large-scale film production and film-led tourism.
