The iconic Filmistan studio – where memorable films like Anarkali, Paying Guest, Tumsa Nahin Dekha and Nagin were produced in the 1940s and 1950s – has been sold for Rs 183 crore to a builder, who plans to construct an ultra luxury residential tower there.
Spread over a four acre area located near Patkar College at Goregaon in north Mumbai, Filmistan studio was acquired by M/s Arcade Developers Ltd from Filmistan Pvt Ltd for Rs 183 crore. The deal was registered on July 3.
Set up by Sashadhar Mukherjee, grandfather of actors Kajol and Rani Mukerji, actor Ashok Kumar and Rai Bahadur Chunilal, father of legendary music director Madan Mohan and Gyan Mukherjee in 1943, the Filmistan studio has a rich history. Films were shot either fully or partly till 2014 when the song “Offo” from the film “2 States” was partly filmed.
Confirming the development, Arkade Developers’ Chairman and Managing Director Amit Jain wrote on Linkedin: “Thrilled to share that Arkade Developers has successfully acquired the iconic 4-acre Filmistan Pvt. Ltd. land parcel on SV Road, Goregaon West, for a total consideration of — Rs 183 crore. This strategic acquisition paves the way for an ultra-luxury residential project on one of Mumbai’s most storied addresses — popularly known as Filmistan Studios”.
“Filmistan Studios holds immense emotional and legacy significance for Mumbai, and we are privileged to be entrusted with shaping its next chapter. This development will go beyond being a premium address, and it will offer a thoughtfully curated lifestyle experience for a discerning few. At Arkade Developers, we are not just creating homes; we are crafting a legacy that reflects the dynamic aspirations of our ever-evolving city,” Jain said in a separate
statement.
Arkade Developers plans to develop an ultra-luxury residential project – involving two 50-storey towers --on the erstwhile Filmistan Studio premise at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore.
At least 33 films, including Shaheed (1948), Shabnam (1949) and Sargam (1950), Anarkali (1953) and Nagin (1954). Other notable films were Jagriti (1954), Munimji (1955), Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), Paying Guest (1957), Babar (1960), Dooj Ka Chand (1964) and Sassi Punnu (Punjabi film 1965), were made at this Filmistan studio between 1944 and 1965.
The last of the film top come out of the Filmistan studio was Punjabi film Sassi Pannu in 1965, the studios continue to function as a studio where films Ra.One (2011) and Bodyguard (2011), television shows likel Khote Sikkey and dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa are shot there.
In a related development, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), the apex body of the film industry workers and artistes have appealed to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar requesting them to halt the demolition and protecting the legacy of the cinema industry.
In a related development, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), the apex body of the film industry workers and artistes has urged Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar requesting them to halt the demolition and protecting the legacy of the cinema industry.
In a letter written to the chief minister, AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta said: “Filmistan studio has served as a foundation space for creative work, providing space for countless Bollywood and Indian cinema productions. It is not just a physical structure but it is a symbol of legacy and the sweat and hard work of the people working behind the camera.
Gupta urged the chief minister to stop the sale and redevelopment of the Filmistan studio and safeguard it as a public cultural asset. “We appeal to you to issue a Government Resolution to protect Filmistan as a heritage studio. The government may rent out the studio to film production houses,” Gupta said.