Maharashtra CM Fadnavis unveils plan to transform Mumbai’s Film City into a world-class film ecosystem in 4 yrs

Speaking during a fireside chat with actor-producer Padma Shri Akshay Kumar at the 25th edition of FICCI Frames, Fadnavis said, “This time I have decided that we will convert Film City into a world-class film ecosystem.”

The chief minister admitted that despite extensive planning, the project had not materialised during his earlier tenure between 2014 and 2019, but added that the transformation process would begin within a year.

Industry reaches inflection point

The announcement comes at a time when India’s media and entertainment sector is experiencing rapid expansion.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, noted that the industry has grown tenfold—from ₹25,000 crore in 2000 to about ₹2.5 lakh crore today.

Bollywood star and FICCI FRAMES Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana lauded the platform’s role in uniting creative professionals over the past 25 years.

“Indian stories and talents are bringing us global recognition, with FICCI at the forefront acting as a catalyst for change,” he said, adding, “We have more than a billion stories to tell and today is our time.”

Boost for Marathi cinema

Fadnavis also pledged targeted efforts to connect younger audiences with Marathi cinema. “You have given me a new mantra — how to connect Gen Z to Marathi films. Now I will work on this,” he told Akshay Kumar during the session.

Film City to host cutting-edge facilities

The revamped Film City will feature advanced studios equipped for virtual production, artificial intelligence and high-end visual effects.

The complex already houses the Indian Institute of Creative Technology, jointly owned by industry bodies such as FICCI (52 per cent) and the governments of Maharashtra and India.

Digital media, AVGCX sector powering growth

Outlining the government’s broader vision, Jaju said digital media is expanding at twice India’s GDP rate, while the animation, visual effects, gaming and extended reality (AVGCX) segment is growing at 30 per cent annually.

He cautioned that piracy, misinformation, and inequitable revenue distribution remain challenges to address. “It’s important that this growth comes with great responsibility,” Jaju emphasised.

Govt and industry collaboration

Anant Goenka, Senior Vice President, FICCI, and Vice Chairman, RPG Group, highlighted that the Indian Institute of Creative Technology represents a key milestone, bridging industry, academia and government.

The institute aims to drive skilling, innovation and policy alignment across India’s creative ecosystem.

Kevin Vaz, Chairman of FICCI’s Media and Entertainment Committee and CEO (Entertainment) at JioStar, reflected on the evolution of India’s entertainment sector.

“With business, technology and storytelling moving together, India’s M&E industry will not just grow—it will lead the world,” he said.

Maharashtra’s creative economy

Ashish Babaji Shelar, Maharashtra’s Minister of Cultural Affairs and Information Technology, said the state’s media and entertainment industry contributes over ₹2 lakh crore to the regional GDP.

He added that a comprehensive film policy and new film cities are being developed to accommodate rising demand.

The inaugural session also featured “Media Masterminds: Keynotes by Industry Stalwarts”, with speakers including Aroon Purie (India Today Group), Anil Kumar Lahoti (TRAI), Sandhya Devanathan (Meta), and Sam Balsara (Madison World). The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Ashish Kulkarni, Chief Mentor, FICCI FRAMES and Founder of Punnaryug Artvision.