FILM CITY

Home to the film fraternity of the country is perhaps one of the most popular among Mumbai tourist places. The Film City is so vast that more than a thousand sets can be erected here at the same time. Over the last few years, the Film City has become one of the major locations for shooting the Hindi serials.

Film City was built in 1911, under the guidance of veteran actor and producer V. Shantaram. The total area of the place is about 520 acres, built according to the outlines of the film city in California. The film city has elaborate sets of villages, mountains, mansions, gardens, fountains, streams, cities etc. More than 900 Hindi movies and Hindi serials have been shot in the Film City of Mumbai and this is one of the best places to visit in mumbai in one day.

The studios are well equipped, complete with the electronic items necessary for shooting and extremely sophisticated instruments that give the kind of quality to the shows shot here, making Bollywood top in the game in the country.

Founded in 1977, and often referred to as Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, Film City has been synonymous with Bollywood and Hindi cinema since its inception. The sprawling space is located within Mumbai’s famous Aarey Colony. Stretching across 520 acres of land, the vast expanse comprises twenty indoor studios and numerous outdoor sets, amidst lush landscapes of verdant greenery. Film City is well-equipped and offers top-notch amenities and facilities to the film fraternity, which is why most movies and television shows are shot here.

Film City is known to be so huge that at a time approximately 1000 film sets can be placed within the premises, with over 900 movies and even more ad films and tv serials being shot here over the years. The government and other tour agencies arrange for a plethora of tours where you get an opportunity to visit the lavish film sets, get a sneak peek of what happens behind the camera, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot your favourite movie star here! A visit to these reel sets in the real world are definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re a movie buff. 

Film City Tours:

The various tours offered by Film City are:

Mumbai Film City Tour: This 2-hour long guided tour includes a visit to the City's prime locations like the Helipad, Court, Church, Temple, and the Khandala Bridge; sights that you might have seen in umpteen Bollywood films. Your guide will keep you entertained with interesting Bollywood facts and trivia, and if you're lucky you might spot a LIVE shooting or two from the tour bus. This is the most reasonable tour starting at Rs. 600/- .

Dream Tour: If you love some 'Bollywood Gyaan' this is the tour for you! Learn about the history of Bollywood, the transformation of movie depictions over the eras, and post-production activities. The cost per head for this tour is Rs. 600/- too. 

Combination Tour: Priced at Rs. 1100/-, this tour offers the best of both, the basic Film City Tour and the Bollywood Dream Tour. A complete package for movie buffs.

Mumbai Film Set Tour: Starting at Rs. 1700/-, this special tour lets you explore movie sets and witness LIVE shoots first hand. The 5-hour long tour explores the depth of filmmaking, while detailing the finer points.

Half Day Tour: Witness everything from movie sets to LIVE shoots, an opportunity to experience post production activities, a LIVE Bollywood dance show, and end it with a delicious lunch at Film City. Truly an experience of Dining with the Stars! Tickets are priced at Rs. 6000 per person. 

How To Reach

From Mumbai Airport: The most convenient route to travel from Mumbai Airport to Goregaon’s Film City is either by booking a private car or taking a local cab right from the airport. The distance is approximately 14 kms and will take you around half an hour, dropping you off right to the entrance of Film City. 

Another option is the local buses that ply across the city, but these would require you to change multiple buses during the course of your journey and takes approximately one hour to reach your destination, which isn’t really recommended.

Best Time To Visit

Although Film City opens its doors to visitors all year round, most tourists prefer visiting during the winters, because this is when Mumbai weather is pleasant enough for walking and exploring the numerous sets on foot. Summers are extremely hot and the tour can get tiring quickly, while monsoon might disrupt your tour and make it difficult to get a good glimpse of the outdoor sets. 

Other Essential Information

Distance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 31.4 km from MSRTC Mumbai Central

Tips for Visiting Film City:

-Try to visit the venue in winter as there are numerous outdoor sets to explore on foot.

-Do not touch any property within Film City as this would invite a penalty

-Ensure that you’re punctual, so as to not miss out on anything

-Photography and Videography are only allowed at certain points

-Try your best to book online tours, so as to avoid the serpentine queues

-Do not rush to visit actors or click selfies with them

-The passes do not permit entry to any of the studios

-Carry a valid ID card at all times