Vizag envisioned as an entertainment hub

Andhra Pradesh is exploring plans to establish Visakhapatnam as a major destination for the film and creator economy. The proposal was discussed during a live podcast featuring IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh and actor-producer Rana Daggubati at the 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on November 13, 2026.

Lokesh said the State wants to move beyond conventional film production incentives and build an integrated ecosystem covering studios, production facilities, post-production infrastructure, gaming and digital content creation.

Rana Daggubati offers to collaborate

During the discussion, Lokesh invited Rana Daggubati to help develop a blueprint for the proposed entertainment ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.

Rana expressed his willingness to work with the State government and industry stakeholders. He also indicated that his production company plans to begin film production activities in Visakhapatnam within the next year.

The proposed collaboration aims to bring more filmmakers, production companies and creative professionals to the city.

Beyond cinema: Gaming and digital creators

The proposed ecosystem is not limited to conventional filmmaking. It is expected to explore opportunities in YouTube production, animation, gaming, music and other forms of digital content creation.

Lokesh highlighted how smartphones and accessible technology have made content production possible for a much wider group of people, particularly young creators. He described the creator economy as an emerging source of employment and entrepreneurship.

Centres of Excellence for creative skills

Lokesh also spoke about plans to establish Centres of Excellence in Visakhapatnam and Tirupati to train young people in filmmaking, music, animation and gaming, with support from industry professionals and AI-based technologies.

The initiative is intended to help young people develop practical skills and access opportunities in the expanding creative industries.

A new opportunity for Vizag's economy

If implemented, the proposed film and creator economy hub could diversify Visakhapatnam's economic base beyond its established industrial, port and technology sectors. It could also create opportunities for local talent in production, post-production, digital media and related services.

However, the proposal is still at the planning stage. A detailed blueprint, infrastructure locations, investment estimates and implementation schedule have not yet been announced.