Filmistan Studio has been an iconic symbol of Mumbai’s illustrious cinematic legacy. Located in Goregaon, Mumbai, this studio has recently been acquired by Arcade Developers for ₹183 crore. In its place, luxurious buildings will soon rise. The studio’s sprawling four-acre land will be transformed into high-end flats. While it is unfortunate that one of the city’s most significant studios is meeting its end, it seems to be the demand of the times. Let’s delve into the history of Filmistan and some of the unforgettable films associated with it.
In 1943, Filmistan Studio was founded by Sashadhar Mukherjee, the grandfather of Kajol and Rani Mukherji. At the time, he was renowned as an art director. Sashadhar, along with his brother-in-law Ashok Kumar, Gyan Mukherjee, and Rai Bahadur Chunilal, established the studio. The story goes back to 1940 when the legendary filmmaker Himanshu Rai passed away, leading to a decline in the operations of Bombay Talkies. As a result, the celebrated actor Ashok Kumar decided to part ways with the studio.
This led to the birth of Filmistan Studio. It is said that the Nizam of Hyderabad, Usman Ali Khan, provided financial support for its construction. In those days, film studios were not just for shooting sets. Every aspect of filmmaking, from production to post-production, was handled within the studio. Artists and technicians were employed on salaries, much like a full-fledged production house.
The first film produced by Filmistan, Chal Chal Re Naujawan (1944), starred Ashok Kumar and Naseem Bano. The film had a modest performance at the box office. However, Filmistan’s big break came with Do Bhai in 1947, directed by Munshi Dil and produced by the studio. It was the second highest-grossing Hindi film of that year. Films like Shaheed (1948), Shabnam (1949), and Sargam (1950) cemented Filmistan’s unshakeable position in the film industry.
The studio continued to deliver entertaining films, including Anarkali (1953), Nagin (1954), Jagruti (1954), Munimji (1955), Paying Guest (1957), and Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), among others. Jagruti even won the Filmfare Award for Best Film. These films also brought recognition to music directors like S.D. Burman and Madan Mohan.
In 1950, Rai Bahadur Chunilal passed away, and the studio’s operations came under the control of Kolkata-based businessman Tolaram Jalan. He kept the studio running as it was. However, in 1958, differences over working methods arose between Jalan and Sashadhar, leading the latter to leave Filmistan and establish Filmalaya Studio in Andheri.
Despite this, Filmistan remained an integral part of the film industry as shooting activities continued. Jalan upheld the studio’s legacy and operations. However, over time, film production at Filmistan slowed down, possibly because it was managed by a businessman rather than creative minds. The last film produced by Filmistan was Doosra Chand in 1964. Nevertheless, the studio continued to thrive with shoots for films, TV shows, and advertisements. Even in the 2010s, notable films like Ra.One, Bodyguard, and 2 States, as well as shows like Khote Sikkey and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, were shot there.
Rumors of the studio’s sale and redevelopment had been circulating for years. In 2011, Jalan had dismissed such claims, stating that the studio was not for sale. However, maintaining an old-fashioned studio with outdated equipment is no longer feasible in today’s times. While the redevelopment of Filmistan is a painful reality, the film industry and Mumbai have had to accept it. This is not the first instance of a historic studio being redeveloped. Previously, Raj Kapoor’s R.K. Studio and Kamal Amrohi’s Kamalistan Studio also met similar fates.
On July 3, 2025, news broke that Arcade Developers had acquired Filmistan for ₹183 crore. According to sources, a posh residential project, including two 50-story luxury towers, will be launched on the site next year, with an estimated turnover of ₹3,000 crore for the company.
The deal has sparked disappointment in the film industry. The erasure of one of Mumbai’s last remaining historic studios is a painful loss. It could also impact the livelihoods of many film workers. The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to save the studio, expressing concerns that the redevelopment could affect thousands of jobs and displace hundreds of families.
While Filmistan may no longer exist in its physical form, its memories can certainly be cherished.
Memorable Moments Connected to Filmistan
- Stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra considered the studio their second home. Dharmendra once shared that during his struggling days, he would walk from Matunga to Filmistan because he couldn’t afford the ₹2 train ticket.
- Iconic films like Amitabh Bachchan’s Zanjeer (1973) and Deewaar (1975) were shot here.
- In Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Guddi (1971), Dharmendra’s character, while conversing with Jaya Bhaduri’s Guddi, mentions Filmistan Studio, saying, “There was a time when this place was bustling with stars. Now it feels like a ruin.”
- Shatrughan Sinha met Lata Mangeshkar for the first time at this studio during the recording of the popular song Aa Bata De Ki Tujhe Kaise Jiya Jata Hai from the film Dost.
- Nasir Hussain, the father of director Mansoor Khan and uncle of Aamir Khan, began his career as a writer, producer, and director at Filmistan.
- Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor first met at this studio.
- The studio housed diverse locations like homes, jungles, police stations, villages, and gardens. In its heyday, the Poisar River flowed through the studio, and several songs were filmed along its banks.
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