• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • REVIEWS
    • TRAILERS
  • BUSINESS
  • CELEBRITIES
  • HOLLYWOOD
  • REGIONAL
  • TV
  • MUSIC
  • TOP LISTS

Bollywood Presents

Exotic locations where popular Bollywood movies were shot

You are here: Home / Film Tourism Locations / Filmcity: Top Film Shooting Location in Mumbai

Filmcity: Top Film Shooting Location in Mumbai

September 30, 2015 by BollywoodPresents Team

filmcity bollywood film shooting

If you want to shoot in Mumbai and don’t have the time to do a recce of the various places in Mumbai, the safest bet is to shoot in Film City. Its almost a ‘mini city’ located in the suburbs of Mumbai, and one of the greenest spots in Mumbai (it makes you wonder why other parts of Mumbai is not as green).

Where is Filmcity

Mumbai is the heart of India’s booming “Bollywood” film industry where hundreds of films are produced every year, most of them are shot at Film-city.

It was built by the Maharastra state government in 1978 to help the Bollywood film industry (and the Marathi film industry) and provide facilities for it to flourish. The official name for filmcity is Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari.

Filmcity is located in the northern suburbs of Mumbai, known as Goregaon, in the vicinity of Aarey Colony & on the outskirts of Sanjay Ghandi National Park. Its easily accessible from the Western Expressway. One can reach Film City by taking a bus, train, or by hiring an auto or taxi within the city.

Spread across 500 acres of land, Film City has around 20 indoor studios, and with easy access to skilled people who can make various arrangements for outdoor or indoor shooting.

Barring for a big-city feel, that place offers almost everything that is required by filmmakers to be used for backdrops – gardens, lakes, forests, temples, houses, villages, etc.

No wonder, its the preferred choice for most film and TV serial makers.


View Larger Map


Sample studio sets in Film-city
Indoor studio sets in film city, Mumbai

Film Sets for Films & TV Shows

The sets and locations at Filmcity are extremely versatile. From recreating overseas locations (depicted in movies such as ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’) to recreating the charm of old-world architecture (shown in films such as Devdas), the studio has shown it all. Several of Salman Khan’s films such as ‘Bodyguard’ and ‘Ready’ were also shot in the Mumbai Film City.


‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ Set
Kal Ho Na Ho Set in fim city


‘Om Shanti Om’ Set
Om Shanti Om set in fimcity, Mumbai

Yash Raj Films, Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, Subhash Ghai’s Mukta Arts, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s SLB, Sippy Films, Rajshri banner, almost all the top Hindi production houses have filmed in Mumbai over the past several decades.

Filmcity is also the place where most of your popular television soap operas as well reality shows are filmed.


Set of ‘Comedy nights with Kapil’
Set of Comedy nights with Kapil, filmcity, Mumbai

So whatever the shot demands for the film, you can choose or create a backdrop to suit it. Whether it is family drama or romantic scene or arrival of dacoits in a rural area or a car/bike chase scene (against chroma), it all can be arranged here in the filmcity.


Temple in Filmcity, shown in several Bollywood movies
Temple at film city, Mumbai


Village & Outdoor Sets in Filmcity
Village & outdoor sets, Mumbai

Film Tourism: Filmcity, Integrated Studio Complex in Mumbai, Opens to Tourists

Indians love their movies. They are fascinated by the Bollywood stars, their lifestyle and what they do. Almost every Bollywood buff, who doesn’t live in Mumbai, and is in Mumbai for a short stint, makes it a point to see where Shahrukh Khan & Amitabh Bachchan lives (albeit from outside).

If given an opportunity, they would also love to see what happens on a film set and get a real close look at Bollywood, but there was never an easy way to accomplish this, until now.

Visitors from around the world, rejoice! Filmcity, Mumbai will now be open to tourists! It’s now possible to take a Bollywood tour, to the heart of the action, in Film City.

The Maharashtra government is now keen to make Filmcity not only a major tourist attraction but also a one-stop-shop for filmmakers (given its state-of-the-art infrastructure & facilities).

Now tourists will have access to shoots and sets (through mirrored walkways to ensure minimal interference) and a Bollywood museum is also being planned on the Film City premises. Visitors can see shoots, check out sample costumes and props used in popular movies.

You never know, you could even be offered the role of a Bollywood extra!


Filmcity is also home to a few major studios/production companies. Here’s the picture of Reliance Mediaworks Studio in Film city, Mumbai. So if you’re a film or media student, you could even apply for a job there…
reliance mediaworks studio in film city

In recent times, Film tourism from various countries (especially the UK) to Mumbai has grown significantly. One of the reasons for that is the growing number of Bollywood productions filming in Great Britain.

For the die-hard Bollywood film fans, there’s no greater pleasure than traveling to the exact location in Mumbai where some of their favorite films were shot. It’s like going to Hollywood to see the great Warner Brothers or Universal studio sets. The good thing for these fans is that Mumbai now offer Bollywood studio tours.

There’s something in store for filmmakers as well!

Filmmakers/production houses will be provided discounts if they shoot their films here. The advantage of Filmcity is that it provides an insulated film environment, away from the hustle of the city, without any outside interference. Huge sets can be built safely, production work goes smoothly, and there are no disturbances at all.


The picture below shows vanity vans of Bollywood stars (outside one of the studios). Just stay there for a while and you’ll spot stars getting in and out of the van. A Vanity van is a Bollywood stars’ home (away from home). Whenever the shot is ready, one of the assistants will send across a message, and the star will come out of the van, enter the studio where the shooting is in progress, finish the shot and come back in his/her van.
Vanity vans of Bollywood stars

More on the Filmcity Tour
Bollywood Tourism Company and MultilinkWorld, in collaboration with the state-run Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation [MTDC], will be offering the tour packages.

Two packages are currently on offer – Blockbuster Package & Economy package.

The Blockbuster Package
Priced around Rs.20k per person, the half-day tour begins as soon as you get on the bus. The tour guide, a stand-up comic, will provide useful information alongside jokes, celebrity trivia and Bollywood gossip. The package will also include a drive through the Mumbai suburb of Bandra/Juhu, including the Bandstand Promenade at Bandra, so that you can take a look at the palatial houses of Bollywood stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Big B & other celebrities.

The package will also include a walk-through of Filmcity, a visit to the Bollywood Museum, cafe and costume gallery; a behind-the-scenes look at how special effects are created; and live filming

The Economy Package
Priced at an affordable Rs.500 per person, this package includes a three-hour guided bus tour (in English and Hindi); welcome drink; a history of Bollywood; visits to sets and locations around the complex; and live filming (subject to availability).

However, you cannot use your cameras to take photos of actors shooting scenes, because it will disturb the cast and crew. Besides, the producers don’t want anything to be leaked from their sets. Neither can you get off the bus to explore the studio sets, no matter what!

Over the years, television has grown immensely in popularity and so, you may see more television shows being shot here, more than movies. Nevertheless, you’ll definitely enjoy these trips, especially if you’re a Bollywood buff. This is the place where your favorite actors work; its also great to understand how the studios have evolved over time.


Tourists at Mumbai Film City

Want to Be a Bollywood Extra?

If you’re a foreigner and in India for a few days, if you love movies, why not just give it a try? Not for the money, but for the experience, and also it could lead on to bigger things.

Foreigners are always in demand, to work as extras in Bollywood movies.

But then, more than hanging around filmcity, you should spend time in South Mumbai. Just hang around Colaba Causeway, particularly the area around Leopold’s Cafe, and you’ll most likely be approached to be a Bollywood extra.

What’s the downside to it? Expect long hours, lots of waiting, and pay of around 500 rupees ($12) per day.

See Also
Filmcitymumbai.org

Mumbai to Get Grand Bollywood Museum that will Have Hollywood-Style Walkthroughs, Wax Figures, and More

Mumbai to Get Grand Bollywood Museum that will Have Hollywood-style walkthroughs, a hall of fame, Madame Tussauds-like wax figures, an interactive exhibit, and memorabilia sourced from film-makers, and many more attraction.

A grand museum with Bollywood as its theme had been gathering dust for the last few years, but it seems the Maharashtra Government is keen to put the project on the fast track now.

The museum will come up in Film City, and will be part of a larger project that will also involve construction of a state-of-the-art studio in Film City. Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation will coordinate the two projects.

The history of Bollywood will be presented in creative ways and visitors will get a first-hand experience of how films are made. The museum is also likely to feature Hollywood-style walkthroughs, a hall of fame, wax figures of Indian film stars, an interactive exhibit, and memorabilia sourced from film-makers, among other attractions.

US-based architectural firm Verner Johnson, which specializes in such projects, is working on the museum’s design in collaboration with city architect Shashi Prabhu, Boston-based designers ZNA and Christopher Chadbourne Associated, and film expert Pravin Nadkar.

Related Posts:

  • As shooting halts, relief fund set up for junior technicians
  • 3 Assistant Directors Killed in Accident on Indian 2 Sets…
  • Want to film in Ladakh, he's the go-to man for filmmakers
  • Film and TV celebrities who committed suicide

Filed Under: Film Tourism Locations

RELATED POSTS

Ram Rahim Singh (MSG)

Bollywood celebs happy with MSG’s jail sentence for Rape

Bollywood celebs happy with MSG’s jail sentence for Rape, here’s what they’re saying. Shah Rukh Khan Happy With Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s Sentence The moment SRK was informed about Ram Rahim being sentenced to 20 years of jail, while he was shooting on the sets of talk show, Ted Talks: Nayi Soch, he took to […]

Christopher Nolan

Hollywood Director Christopher Nolan coming to India

Acclaimed Hollywood director Christopher Nolan plans to visit India soon, revealed Megastar Amitabh Bachchan. Nolan will be in India along with celebrated visual artist Tacita Dean. This would be Nolan’s first visit to India. While there’s no official word about his itinerary, its rumoured that the director will be in India for an event, and […]

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan to play astronaut, Bollywood all set to produce its version of ‘Gravity’

Perfectionist Aamir Khan to play astronaut, based on Indian astronaut Rakesh Sharma’s life, in his next film. Aamir Khan was an astronaut in the movie PK, however the film was not on astronauts nor it gave us a glimpse of space. However, Aamir Khan is now actually going to show us those things in his […]

Hindi alternative rock bands

Hindi alternative rock bands in India, finally finding their place in the sun?

With the live music soundscape in India getting wider (and richer), more musicians/bands are getting an opportunity to showcase their talents. Several Indie bands, New Age music festivals, online music hosting platforms, non-English bands are now getting noticed for their unique style of music. Hindi alternative-folk-rock bands such as Jaagar, Highway 61, Ashwamedh, have got […]

malta tourism

Bollywood movies filmed in Malta, a nation known for its historic sites

We are not talking about the fruit here, but a country (archipelago) which is located in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. Thanks to their good climate, picturesque locations, the islands of Malta, Comino, and Gozo have featured in top international films and television shows. Watch: Troy (2004) – Brad Pitt, […]

Croatia Tourism

Bollywood Films Shot in Croatia

Croatia is located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Southeast Europe, and the Mediterranean. Although the country may not yet be on the radar of the Asian tourist, it could very well change in the future. Croatia is also an untapped beautiful location, as far as filing is concerned. However, one Bollywood (featuring a big […]

GiMA Awards

GiMA Awards 2016: ‘Bajirao Mastani’ Bags Max Awards

The Global Indian Music Academy Awards (GiMA Awards) recognizes and honours the best in Indian music. GiMA honors both film as well as non-film music in separate categories. GiMA is an attempt to bring together the Indian music as well as the film fraternity to honor the best musicians in India. The red carpet at […]

Bollywood Movie ‘Talvar’ Reveals India’s Flawed Legal System, Impatient Media & Judgmental Society

Bollywood Movie ‘Talvar’ was appreciated by the audience for its gritty portrayal of India’s flawed legal system, reveals a very impatient media & exposes our judgmental society, where most patriarchal societies can only treat the woman as a beti (daughter) or a whore, not as a person in her own right. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, […]

hollywood film business

These Hollywood Movies Were Filmed In India

Take a look at these Hollywood Movies that were actually shot In India, includes some blockbuster movies. Although Bollywood is growing by the day and the popularity of our stars such as Shahrukh is increasing across continents, India is still in awe of Hollywood (actually it applies to other countries as well). Its indeed a […]

Bollywood Films Shot in India’s Naxalites Area

Most films, especially with newcomers in the lead, are usually shot in scenic locations. But there are definitely a few exceptions. A recently released film ‘Lekar Hum Deewana Dil’ starring Armaan Jain and Deeksha Seth had a few scenes that were actually shot in the Naxalites area of India. But then filmmakers in India are […]

Primary Sidebar

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

RECENT POSTS

music cities

Top music schools / colleges in the world

Top music schools / colleges in the world to learn music performance under expert musicians, to … [Read More...] about Top music schools / colleges in the world

Bollywood in Poland, Country with Medieval Hot Spots & Energetic Cities

Poland is located in the heart of Europe and is well known for its history, which is reflected in … [Read More...] about Bollywood in Poland, Country with Medieval Hot Spots & Energetic Cities

movie trailers

Top Forthcoming Bollywood Movies (& Trailers): Upcoming Entertainers for 2021

Want to know when the next entertainer of your favorite star is going to be released? Want to plan … [Read More...] about Top Forthcoming Bollywood Movies (& Trailers): Upcoming Entertainers for 2021

National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC)

Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

Movies are one of the most influential tools of communication and society does learn a few things or … [Read More...] about Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

bollywood rapes

Representation of women in Bollywood Films

Women in Bollywood films have been subject to stereotypes and objectification, and appeared in … [Read More...] about Representation of women in Bollywood Films

Music Scene in Saudi Arabia

How's the music Scene in Saudi Arabia. Is it really frowned upon? Read more here. Young musicians in … [Read More...] about Music Scene in Saudi Arabia

Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmi: One of the finest actors of Indian cinema

Shabana Azmi, an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) of Pune, made her film … [Read More...] about Shabana Azmi: One of the finest actors of Indian cinema

war movie

Here’s how much Hrithik Roshan was paid for his 2019 hit film ‘War’

Hrithik Roshan is a superstar in Bollywood and is among the highest paid actors in the film … [Read More...] about Here’s how much Hrithik Roshan was paid for his 2019 hit film ‘War’

sooryavanshi movie

Bollywood facing losses of 5000+ crore due to pandemic lockdown

Almost everybody associated with the film industry is despondent about the future. With COVID-19 … [Read More...] about Bollywood facing losses of 5000+ crore due to pandemic lockdown

Money Scandals

Indian film celebrities caught in Tax Controversies

In Bollywood and other film industries in India, there's a saying that "there's no business like the … [Read More...] about Indian film celebrities caught in Tax Controversies

Amazon Fashion

Useful Read

  • Who coined the term ‘Bollywood’?
  • Dadasaheb Phalke (Father of Indian Cinema)
  • Evolution of Hindi Films
  • Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

Footer

Upcoming Bollywood Movies

  • Love Aaj Kal Movie
  • Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele Movie
  • Hawayein Movie
  • Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan Movie
  • The Hundred Bucks Movie
  • BHOOT: Part One – The Haunted Ship Movie
  • Haunted Hills Movie
  • 'O' Pushpa I Hate Tears Movie
  • Guns Of Banaras Movie
  • Thappad Movie

Bollywood Movie Reviews

  • Malang Review
  • Jawaani Jaaneman Review
  • Panga Review
  • Street Dancer 3D Review
  • Tanhaji – The Unsung Warrior Review
  • Chhapaak Review
  • Good Newwz Review

Top Celebs

  • Ajay Devgn
  • Kajol
  • Saif Ali Khan
  • Shraddha Kapoor
  • Varun Dhawan
  • Deepika Padukone
  • Kangana Ranaut
  • Tabu
  • Aditya Roy Kapur
  • Disha Patani
  • Rajinikanth

About Us

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • Sitemap
  • Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in