About Film City
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 Film City
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 Film City
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.What Not to Miss at Film City
Places to Visit near Film City:
While doing a tour to Film City, here are some other places you can visit around the vicinity:
1. Global Vipassana Pagoda: This Meditation Hall near Gorai is a symbol of peace and harmony. It is built to advocate the teachings of the Buddha, and the traditional Burmese architectural style is testimony to that. At the centre of the Golden Pagoda lies the world’s largest stone dome, built at a height of 29 metres. If you want some inner peace and soul-searching, participate in the 10-day Vipassana Meditation Courses offered here.
2. Tattva Spa, Radisson: Finding its home in the luxury hotel, Radisson, Tattva Spa is an urban wellness centre where you can treat yourself to some self pampering and enjoy a relaxing massage or therapy.
3. Aksa Beach: You probably remember this spot being mentioned in Bollywood songs, but truly, there’s nothing better than relaxing on the glistening sands of Aksa Beach and admiring the sunset, after a long day of travel and fun.
4. Prithvi Theatre: A short distance from Film City is the famed Prithvi Theatre, another great location for celebrity spotting. Established in 1978, this artistically decorated space is where plays and performing arts, in every language, come to life, seeing a huge audience every time. Often, LIVE music performances and dance shows are also held at the theatre. When not rehearsing or acting, the artists can be spotted at the plush Prithvi Cafe situated on the premises.
5. Kala Ghoda Art Precinct: Further away from Film City towards South Mumbai, is the popular Kala Ghoda, derived from the Black Horse structure that stands tall, right in the centre of the area. The Kala Ghoda Arts Precinct is a must-visit if you are an art enthusiast and admire the works of talented artists and art connoisseurs.
6. Kanheri Caves: These 4th century caves, around 90 in number, are home to Buddhist sculptures, carvings, and paintings, which are an absolute treat to the eyes!
Other Essential Information About Film City
Location: Inside Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri Main Gate, Post Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Best Time to visit: October-March
Entry fee: INR 599-INR 1699 per person
Timings: 10AM-5PM
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