Chitranjali Studio Kerala: Shooting Facilities, Rates and Booking Guide
\nFor producers looking beyond India\u2019s large commercial studio cities, Chitranjali Studio in Kerala offers an unusual combination: government-owned shooting infrastructure, permanent sets, natural landscapes, production equipment, accommodation and post-production services within one organisation.
\nLocated at Thiruvallam in Thiruvananthapuram, the studio is operated by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, or KSFDC. It was established in 1980 to support film production within Kerala and has served Malayalam cinema as well as projects in other languages.
\nIts main attraction is not only the shooting floors. Producers can combine studio interiors with gardens, wooded areas and nearby rivers, lagoons, beaches and hill environments, while KSFDC\u2019s single-window mechanism can assist with permissions for eligible government-controlled locations elsewhere in Kerala.
\nLocation and Accessibility
\nChitranjali Studio
\nThiruvallam
\nThiruvananthapuram, Kerala \u2013 695027
\nThe official studio profile places the complex approximately seven kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram city. Thiruvallam is on the southern side of the city, within practical reach of:
\n– Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
\n– Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station
\n– Kovalam and its coastal accommodation
\n– Vizhinjam and surrounding seafront areas
\n– City hotels and production suppliers
\n– Kerala\u2019s southern coastal and backwater locations
\nActual journey time depends on city traffic and the route used by production vehicles. A separate transport plan should be prepared for artists, technicians, outdoor-unit vehicles and heavy set materials.
\nProducers should contact the studio before arrival to confirm the correct gate, equipment-entry procedure, parking arrangements and whether vehicle or material passes are required.
\nShooting Floors, Sets and Landscapes
\nKSFDC describes the main shooting floor as one of the largest of its kind in Asia. It also lists a smaller floor for limited requirements and an air-conditioned green-mat floor.
\nPermanent or adaptable environments advertised by the studio include:
\n– Police station
\n– Hospital ward, clinic and reception
\n– Classroom
\n– Office rooms
\n– Village house
\n– Temple set
\n– Courtroom
\n– Gardens and lawns
\n– Woods and natural landscapes
\n– Paths and paved walkways
\n– Sea-view areas within or around the property
\nThe surroundings of Thiruvananthapuram add further production value. Beaches, rivers, lagoons, freshwater lakes and hill environments are accessible within the wider region, although these are not necessarily included in a studio-floor booking.
\nAvailability and present condition must be checked during a recce. Sets may have been modified, refurbished or allocated to another production.
\nEquipment and Technical Facilities
\nThe official Chitranjali facilities page lists production equipment and technical services such as:
\n– Outdoor-unit vans
\n– Sound-proof generators
\n– HMI, PAR and Kino Flo lights
\n– Baby, junior and Multi-series lights
\n– Cranes
\n– Trolleys and tracks
\n– Digital cameras
\n– Location sound recorders
\n– Non-linear editing
\n– Dubbing and effects recording
\n– Re-recording
\n– 5.1 surround mixing
\n– Pro Tools recording
\n– Preview theatre
\n– Digital intermediate and colour-correction services
\nSome equipment named on the online rate card is based on older production technology. Producers should therefore ask for an updated equipment inventory, model numbers, service history and test availability before including any item in the technical plan.
\nIn 2026, the studio also underwent a significant modernisation programme involving upgraded administration, an air-conditioned shooting floor, lighting facilities, equipment storage, internal roads and digital-intermediate infrastructure. Additional sound, Foley, mixing and green-screen facilities were also planned or under development. Request a current facility sheet identifying which renovated services are operational.
\nSuitable Productions
\nChitranjali Studio can suit:
\n– Malayalam and other regional feature films
\n– Independent and debut feature projects
\n– Web series
\n– Television fiction
\n– Documentaries and short films
\n– Music videos
\n– Advertisements
\n– Interviews and institutional productions
\n– Green-screen sequences
\n– Projects requiring dubbing, editing or mixing
\n– Productions combining studio and Kerala locations
\nThe studio\u2019s published packages are especially oriented towards feature films, documentaries and short films requiring several production and post-production services from one provider.
\nPublished Shooting Rates
\nKSFDC currently displays the following daily rates on its official website:
\nFacility or location\tPublished daily charge
\nMain Floor No. 1\t\u20b97,500
\nFloor No. 2 without AC\t\u20b96,500
\nLandscape\/studio complex\/nursery area\t\u20b93,000
\nLawn area\t\u20b94,000
\nPolice-station set\t\u20b93,000
\nCourtroom\/mini floor\t\u20b93,500
\nHospital ward, reception and clinic combined\t\u20b92,750
\nClinic\/reception lobby\t\u20b91,500
\nCanteen building\t\u20b94,000
\nEntire FTIK building\t\u20b96,000
\nExterior set-work area\t\u20b92,000
\nSet work in landscape or open area\t\u20b91,000
\nLandscape make-up room with toilet\t\u20b9500<\/p>\n
When more than one site is used, the rate card states that the second site is charged at 50%. Electricity for a set-work period is listed at an additional \u20b91,050 per call sheet.
\nThe official page does not display an effective date for these figures, and several equipment descriptions indicate that parts of the tariff may be legacy pricing. Because the complex was modernised in 2026, treat every displayed figure as a published reference rate requiring written reconfirmation, not a guaranteed quotation. See the complete official KSFDC rate card.
\nEquipment and Outdoor-Unit Charges
\nSelected published daily equipment charges include:
\nItem\tPublished charge
\nOutdoor van-mounted generator, excluding diesel\t\u20b91,000
\nPortable crane, excluding transport\t\u20b9300
\nTrack and trolley up to 60 feet\t\u20b9100
\nKino Flo four-bank light\t\u20b9375
\n4 kW HMI light\t\u20b9550
\n2.5 kW HMI light\t\u20b9300
\n1.2 kW HMI light\t\u20b9250
\n5 kW senior spotlight\t\u20b9250<\/p>\n
KSFDC also publishes outdoor-unit packages ranging from \u20b92,250 to \u20b96,000 per day, depending on the listed lighting and generator configuration. Vehicle running charges may apply for engagements of up to five days.
\nThese prices appear unusually low by current commercial-production standards. Do not prepare a final production budget from them until the studio confirms:
\n– Current equipment condition and availability
\n– Whether operators and technicians are included
\n– Diesel and transportation charges
\n– Working-hours limits
\n– Staff allowances
\n– Damage and replacement liability
\n– Applicable taxes
\nAccommodation Charges
\nOn-site accommodation is one of Chitranjali\u2019s practical advantages. Published rates include:
\nAccommodation\tPublished daily charge
\nAC suite\t\u20b91,200 plus tax
\nAC room\t\u20b9900 plus tax
\nNon-AC room\t\u20b9650 plus tax
\nAC make-up room\t\u20b9800 plus tax
\nTen-bed dormitory\t\u20b91,500 plus tax
\nFive-bed dormitory\t\u20b9750 plus tax
\nSix-bed FTIK dormitory\t\u20b9750 plus tax
\nTwo-bed FTIK dormitory\t\u20b9250 plus tax<\/p>\n
Availability, occupancy rules, linen, meals, housekeeping, check-in timing and current tax rates should be confirmed separately.
\nThe surrounding Thiruvallam, Kovalam and Thiruvananthapuram areas provide additional hotel, guest-house and serviced-apartment options for principal artists and crew.
\nProduction Packages and Schemes
\nThe official packages page lists \u20b92 lakh and \u20b910 lakh package schemes, each involving an initial advance and a five-month production period.
\nDepending on the package and availability, facilities may include:
\n– Outdoor units and cranes
\n– Camera hire
\n– Avid or Final Cut Pro editing
\n– Dubbing and effects recording
\n– Re-recording and surround mixing
\n– Digital colour correction
\n– Preview theatre
\n– Floors and sets
\n– Accommodation
\n– Land for constructing sets
\n– Studio locations
\nThe \u20b910 lakh scheme specifically lists RED EPIC camera use for 30 days. Because camera and post-production technology changes rapidly, producers should request the current package specification and substitution policy.
\nA documentary and short-film scheme is also listed with an initial advance of \u20b925,000 and an agreement between the producer and studio.
\nAdvances, Cancellation and Additional Costs
\nThe published rate-card conditions state:
\n– Fifty per cent of estimated hire charges must be paid as an advance at booking.
\n– If a confirmed booking is cancelled, 50% of the advance is charged as a cancellation fee.
\n– Fuel and staff allowances are payable by the hirer.
\n– Interstate permit costs are borne by the hirer.
\n– Fifty per cent of the cost of certain fused bulbs may be charged.
\n– Externally sourced facilities attract a 10% service charge over the supplier\u2019s bill.
\n– Generator use during a KSEB power failure is listed at \u20b9750 per hour or part thereof, divided proportionately where applicable.
\n– Overtime and holiday staff allowances apply to technical departments.
\n– Applicable taxes are additional where specified.
\nThe website does not provide a consolidated overtime or damage-deposit policy for the renovated facilities. Ask for the latest agreement and tariff before transferring an advance.
\nPermissions and Booking Procedure
\nKSFDC is Kerala\u2019s designated facilitator for the state\u2019s single-window film-shooting clearance mechanism. It can coordinate applications for government buildings and public spaces owned by government or local bodies.
\nA recommended procedure is:
\n1. Send the synopsis and production-company profile.
\n2. Specify dates, crew strength and project language.
\n3. Identify floors, sets, equipment and post-production services.
\n4. Request a technical and location recce.
\n5. Ask for an updated, itemised quotation.
\n6. Submit the producer-details form and identity proof.
\n7. Provide two passport photographs if required.
\n8. Execute the prescribed agreement on appropriate Kerala stamp paper.
\n9. Pay the confirmed advance only to the official account specified by KSFDC.
\n10. Obtain separate approval for drones, weapons, pyrotechnics, animals, traffic control or protected locations.
\nThe packages page presently lists \u20b9500 Kerala stamp paper for executing a package agreement; reconfirm the current stamp duty.
\nVerified Booking Contact
\nChitranjali Studio, Thiruvallam
\nThiruvananthapuram, Kerala \u2013 695027
\nStudio\/customer-care telephone:
\n+91 471 2381450
\n+91 471 2381451
\n+91 471 2381452
\nAdditional listed number: +91 471 2380946
\nEmail: chitranjalistudio@yahoo.com
\nOfficial website: Kerala State Film Development Corporation
\nStudio information: Chitranjali Studio
\nContact verification: KSFDC key contacts
\nThe website does not provide a separate real-time booking engine. Producers should contact the studio manager directly for availability and forms.
\nPractical Advantages and Limitations
\nAdvantages
\n– Government-owned production complex
\n– Published reference tariffs
\n– Floors, sets, landscapes and accommodation together
\n– Production and post-production support
\n– Single-window assistance for Kerala locations
\n– Documentary and feature-film packages
\n– Convenient access to coastal and urban environments
\nLimitations
\n– Some online prices and equipment descriptions may be outdated
\n– Renovated facilities require current availability confirmation
\n– Published charges do not represent the total production cost
\n– Specialist equipment may need outside sourcing
\n– Weather can affect exterior shoots during Kerala\u2019s monsoon periods
\n– No public live-availability calendar is provided
\nProducer\u2019s Checklist
\n– Updated tariff and facility inventory
\n– Recce of all shortlisted sets
\n– Stage dimensions and power capacity
\n– Camera, lens and lighting compatibility
\n– Crew and vehicle list
\n– Equipment insurance
\n– Accommodation allocation
\n– Rain cover and weather contingency
\n– Government-location permission requirements
\n– Drone, fire and stunt approvals
\n– Advance and cancellation clauses
\n– Tax-inclusive quotation
\n– Technician and overtime charges
\n– Post-production deliverables and storage policy
\nFrequently Asked Questions
\nIs the main shooting-floor rent \u20b97,500 per day?
\nThat amount is displayed on KSFDC\u2019s official rate-card page, but the page does not show its effective date. Obtain written confirmation before budgeting.
\nDoes Chitranjali provide accommodation?
\nYes. AC rooms, non-AC rooms, suites, make-up rooms and dormitories are listed, subject to availability and tax.
\nCan KSFDC obtain permission for locations outside the studio?
\nKSFDC operates Kerala\u2019s single-window mechanism for applications involving government and local-body properties. Specialised approvals may still be necessary.
\nAre cameras and lighting available?
\nThe website lists cameras, HMI, PAR and Kino Flo lighting, cranes, tracks, trolleys, generators and outdoor units. Request a current inventory and technical test.
\nIs post-production available?
\nYes. KSFDC lists editing, dubbing, sound recording, re-recording, surround mixing, preview and digital-intermediate services.
\nCan a documentary or short film use a package?
\nYes. A documentary and short-film scheme is published, but current eligibility, subsidy and package terms must be reconfirmed.
\nAccuracy Disclaimer
\nFacilities, rates and contacts were checked from official KSFDC pages on 20 September 2026. The online rate card does not state its effective date and may not yet reflect every facility or price following the studio\u2019s 2026 modernisation. Obtain a current written quotation, equipment list, tax calculation and booking agreement directly from KSFDC before committing expenditure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Chitranjali Studio Kerala: Shooting Facilities, Rates and Booking Guide For producers looking beyond India\u2019s large commercial studio cities, Chitranjali Studio in Kerala offers an unusual combination: government-owned shooting infrastructure, permanent sets, natural landscapes, production equipment, accommodation and post-production services within one organisation. Located at Thiruvallam in Thiruvananthapuram, the studio is operated by the Kerala State […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"template":"","ch24_resource_type":[90],"class_list":["post-409","ch24_resource","type-ch24_resource","status-publish","hentry","ch24_resource_type-studio-location"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t