ABU DHABI // A spy thriller featuring some of the biggest names in Bollywood will set a record when filming begins in the capital this month.
Tiger Zinda Hai, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, is expected to become Abu Dhabi's longest feature-length movie project, with a filming schedule of 65 days.
"It's going to be huge," said Jassim Al Nowais, manager of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, of the sequel to Ek Tha Tiger.
A 20,000 square metre back-lot is being built at an undisclosed location with the assistance of twofour54’s film and TV services division and Yash Raj Films.
Many of the 150 workers, who will be on site for 100 days to create the movie's main set, also helped to build the set for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed in 2013.
A crew of 300 is expected to work on the production, with Abu Dhabi freelancers working alongside crew members from India, the US and the UK.
Even the UAE military will be getting in on the action, playing a fictional army in the movie, which begins filming on May 4.
“We usually work with the military for one week or two weeks maximum, but having a military with you for 65 days is a first,” Mr Al Nowais said.
He said military personnel and equipment such as helicopters would have guest-star roles in the film.
Shooting is expected to take place at about 20 locations around the emirate, including the mountainous terrain in Al Ain, the dunes of Liwa and various spots across the city.
"A film like Tiger Zinda Hai requires a certain scale, which we found in Abu Dhabi," said Ali Abbas Zafar, the movie's director.
“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.”
Mr Al Nowais said the economic benefits of the film’s production would be huge.
“He is using a local crew, he is using the hotels, he is using logistics of transport, you have the lighting companies, you have some drone companies, special effects, props company – a lot is going on,” he said.
The project benefits from a 30 per cent cash rebate from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, applicable to production costs, travel and accommodation.
That incentive is also credited for attracting the Star Wars movie, Furious 7, Bollywood feature film Bang Bang, the BBC's Top Gear and regional drama production, Al Ikhwa.
“Abu Dhabi is growing and it will keep growing and supporting, from small movies to large movies,” said Mr Al Nowais. “Hopefully, in the next couple of years, we’ll see something new coming up in Abu Dhabi in terms of infrastructure.”
The filming of a blockbuster Bollywood movie would help to bring more positive attention to the capital, said Emma Ali, spokeswoman for Mixfame, a UAE casting and talent agency.
“Abu Dhabi has been chosen as the basis for a megamovie starring Salman Khan, and Salman Khan is one of the biggest Bollywood stars,” Ms Ali said.
“This means that Abu Dhabi is really on the map in terms of location, support from the establishment and venues, which, when they’re showcased in the movies, really appeal to a wide audience.”
Having Bollywood in Abu Dhabi also puts local professionals in the spotlight, said Anoop Varghese, a visual effects artist who works in the capital.
“It gives world exposure to all the local artists here,” Mr Varghese said.
Johanna Creagh, general manager of Bareface model and talent agency in Dubai, said she hoped the production would be a great boost to the film industry here.
“It will be fantastic because the film industry has been quite slow over the past few years,” said Ms Creagh. “But if something like this is coming, maybe that will reboot the film industry.”
Tiger Zinda Hai is expected to be in the cinemas in December.
rpennington@thenational.ae
