Filmistan Studios, one in every of Mumbai’s oldest and most iconic movie studios, has been formally offered to Arkade Builders for Rs 183 crore. The transaction was registered on July 3, marking the tip of an period for a studio that helped form the golden age of Hindi cinema. As soon as a thriving base for actors, technicians, and manufacturing homes, the Goregaon West property is now set to be redeveloped into ultra-luxury residential towers.Based in 1943 by Sasadhar Mukherjee, grandfather to Kajol and Rani Mukerji, together with actor Ashok Kumar, Gyan Mukherjee, and Rai Bahadur Chunilal, Filmistan Studios emerged from a cut up with Bombay Talkies and rapidly turned a cornerstone of Hindi filmmaking. Again within the day, studios like Filmistan weren’t simply taking pictures areas, they have been full-fledged manufacturing homes using actors and crew on month-to-month salaries.AICWA urges Devendra Fadnavis to interveneWithin the wake of the acquisition, the All Indian Cine Staff Affiliation (AICWA) has written an open letter to Maharashtra’s CM Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to halt the demolition and shield what they name a “image of cinematic legacy.” The affiliation has known as for a Authorities Decision (G.R.) to protect the studio as a public cultural asset.“Filmistan Studio… has been a office for lakhs of technicians, artists, junior artists, and staff… It’s not only a bodily construction; it’s a image of cinematic legacy and the sweat and arduous work of the working class behind the digicam,” the AICWA letter learn.
The affiliation additional warned that the lack of Filmistan, and different heritage studios in danger, would severely influence employment alternatives for every day wage staff, technicians, and artists who type the spine of the leisure trade.“This isn’t only a battle to avoid wasting land—it’s a battle to guard dignity, heritage, and the livelihood of the spine of our trade. Filmistan Studio was constructed with the blood, sweat, and dedication of staff… Sadly, the present homeowners have chosen revenue over folks.”Filmistan Studios to be become luxurious towersFollowing the acquisition, Arkade Builders introduced plans to redevelop the four-acre SV Street plot right into a high-end residential mission. The mission will reportedly function 3, 4, and 5 BHK residences and unique penthouses throughout two 50-storey towers. With a projected gross growth worth of Rs 3,000 crore, the mission is slated for a tentative launch in 2026.Recognized for its sound levels, outside units, and central location, Filmistan was as soon as a go-to vacation spot for Bollywood movies, tv reveals, and advert shoots. Nevertheless, with newer, tech-equipped studios sprouting throughout town, Filmistan regularly fell out of favour.