Bollywood’s film to shoot scenes at Agas-Agas bridge

SOGOD, S. LEYTE , Philippines — Agas-Agas, you are on camera in Bollywood. This imposing structure may soon be featured as one of the location shooting for a Bollywood movie “Dhoom3,” an action-epic film series that depicts the adventures of a cop going after thieves.

Bollywood is the entertainment, celluloid world of India, the counterpart of Hollywood in the United States. It all began with a communication from Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

“We are pleased to inform you that Yash Raj Film, Bollywood’s biggest film production outfit, has signified interest in filming part of their action movie entitled ‘Dhoom3’ in the Philippines sometime in December 2012 or January 2013,” Tiopes wrote Gov. Damian Mercado in a letter dated October 18, 2012, calling specific attention to Nedgar Garvez, the provincial tourism officer.

The proposed filming project in the country was the output of a successful Philippine participation in the Locations Exhibitions Conference held in Juhu, Mumbai, India, where the Philippines was recognized as the Best New Entrant for the Promotion of Tourism through Indian Films, Tiopes said.

“Ofixer Ink Philippines, the designated local line producer has been tasked to look for a bridge in one of the more rustic areas in the country as one of the location shoot requirements. They are looking at the Agas-Agas bridge in Sogod, Southern Leyte as possible bridge candidate for the blockbuster movie,” Tiopes said.

In her letter, Tiopes requested Gov. Mercado “for a total shutdown of the bridge for the shooting days” of three consecutive days, or to close the bridge “to traffic from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m.”

“Our bagging this film contract will certainly kickstart DOT’s and Southern Leyte’s efforts to penetrate the Bollywood industry and to the global market as a location for its various film and television filming projects. We hope that the provincial government can help secure for the use of the candidate bridge,” Tiopes added.

On October 30, 2012, Gov. Mercado forwarded the DOT letter to District Engineer Carlos Veloso of the Department of Public Works and Highways – Southern Leyte Engineering District (DPWH-SLED).

In response, Veloso endorsed for favorable action to Gov. Mercado on November 27 the approval to use Agas-Agas as requested for filming, with an attached traffic re-routing plan so the filming can progress without disturbance or distraction to vehicular traffic.

Nedgar Garvez, the province’s tourism chief, told Philippine Information Agency (PIA) yesterday everything is set for the filming but he could not ascertain the exact dates, saying this would depend on the filmmakers.

So move over “Bourne Legacy”, “Dhoom 3” is here. (FREEMAN)