Filmistan Studio, a landmark in the history of Indian cinema, has been sold to Arkade Developers for ₹183 crore. The deal, registered on July 3rd, 2025, marks the end of an era for the storied studio, which has played a foundational role in shaping the landscape of Bollywood since the 1940s.
Founded in 1943 by Sasadhar Mukherjee, the grandfather of actresses Kajol and Rani Mukerji, along with Ashok Kumar, Gyan Mukherjee, and Rai Bahadur Chunilal, Filmistan emerged from a split with Bombay Talkies. Financed with funds from Osman Ali Khan, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the studio quickly became a hub for Hindi film production. Studios at the time functioned as full-fledged production houses, employing actors and staff on monthly salaries.
Located in Goregaon West, Mumbai, Filmistan was known for its sound stages, accessible outdoor sets, and central location. The studio served as the backdrop for countless Bollywood films, television shows, and advertisements for decades. Some of the notable films produced by Filmistan include Shaheed (1948), Shabnam (1949), Sargam (1950), Anarkali (1953), Nagin (1954), Jagriti (1954), Munimji (1955), Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), and Paying Guest (1957). The studio provided a platform for numerous talented directors, including P. L. Santoshi, Nandlal Jaswantlal, Subodh Mukherjee, Kishore Sahu, Ramesh Sehgal, Nasir Hussain and Gyan Mukherjee. Many prominent actors, like Ashok Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Nalini Jaywant, and Kamini Kaushal, were also associated with Filmistan.
However, with the rise of newer, more technologically advanced studios, Filmistan gradually lost its prominence. In 1958, Sasadhar Mukherjee left Filmistan to establish his own studio, Filmalaya. Tolaram Jalan acquired Filmistan in the late 1950s, and the studio eventually wound down, with Dooj Ka Chand (1964) being among its last productions. Though film production waned, the premises continued to operate as a studio, with more recent films like Ra.One (2011) and Bodyguard (2011) being shot there.
Arkade Developers plans to transform the four-acre property on SV Road into an ultra-luxury residential project with an estimated gross development value of ₹3,000 crore. The high-rise development, slated for launch in 2026, will reportedly feature 3, 4, and 5 BHK residences and penthouses across two 50-story towers.
The sale has understandably stirred emotions within the Indian film fraternity. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has appealed to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to prevent the demolition of the studio, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance and the potential job losses for numerous technicians and workers. Amit Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Arkade Developers, acknowledged the emotional weight of the site, stating that the company is privileged to shape its next chapter and aims to build a legacy reflective of Mumbai's evolving aspirations.
Filmistan Studios holds immense emotional and legacy significance for Mumbai. The acquisition signals a significant turning point, marking the end of an era for one of Bollywood's most iconic creative spaces. While the physical studio may soon be replaced by luxury apartments, its contribution to Indian cinema will continue to be remembered.
