17 civic-owned locations to be available for shooting across Mumbai

In a bid to reclaim Mumbai’s position as India’s premier filming destination, the BMC has selected several civic-owned properties to facilitate smoother film and OTT shoots. According to a Hindustan report, the initiative, backed by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, seeks to streamline the complex and time-consuming permission process that has historically deterred filmmakers.

By offering a more streamlined approach, the BMC hopes to attract both local and international productions back to the city, enhancing its appeal as a filming hub.

Among the newly approved filming locations are underrated spots such as the Textile Museum in Byculla, Girgaum Chowpatty’s newly designed viewing decks, Dadar's Chaitya Bhoomi, and Malabar Hill’s recently opened walkway. Other locations like Shilpagram Garden and the Gilder Tank municipal school are also being included for their potential as unique backdrops for productions.

With a rate card almost finalised and 17 locations now approved, the BMC plans to expand this list monthly, focusing on heritage schools and waterfronts that could easily stand in for European streets or royal palaces. The July 30 stakeholders' summit at Taj Lands End will mark a pivotal moment, as filmmakers officially recognise Mumbai’s "long overdue infrastructure status" as the heart of India’s entertainment industry.

This strategic initiative aims to simplify the often cumbersome permissions process, making Mumbai a more accessible and competitive location for film and OTT shoots. While financial benefits may be modest, the move is seen as crucial in revitalising the city’s film industry and reversing the trend of Bollywood shifting production to other cities and abroad.