Ramoji Film City Hyderabad – The World’s Largest Cine Magic Destination
In 1999, I had been to Ramoji Film City, but that was a short 2-hour visit. The film city was quite new, as Ramoji Rao had established it in 1996. That visit made me resolve I must go to the place with more time on hand. So, I made time to go there during my 2015 visit to Hyderabad.
There is a bus tour that takes you around this sprawling place. I booked myself on it, but early enough during the tour, I realised it would be worthwhile to ditch it and walk around instead. A walk around the place can be tiring as it holds the Guinness Book world record of being the largest film city in the world. Spread over 2000 acres, Ramoji Film City is a stunning aggregation of idyllic permanent sets.
Ramoji Film City – Some Factoids
The permanent sets here include a railway station, an airport, a few temples, a palace, colonies stacked with upmarket row-houses, a city market, jungles and parks, a sea, rivers, market, a hospital, courtroom, a Gurudwara, a mosque, a prison, a playground, a wild west town, an amusement park, and more.
Every year, they shoot over 200 films here. It has over 500 set locations. Filmmakers have shot superhits like Bahubali, Chennai Express, Krrish, and Dilwale here. Little wonder, as this is the largest filmmaking facility anywhere in the world that offers integrated filmmaking services like ready-to-shoot locations, set building, studio floors, prop shop, state-of-the-art equipment for hire, and accommodation to suit different budgets for a stay of the entire star cast and crew. To date, countless filmmakers have shot over 2500 films here.
The Experience
Leaving the bus, I started walking along a wide avenue. Lined with lampposts with cherubic figurines, the entire vista seemed spotless. It took a while for me to take in the locale and decide on my route, as the view in every direction was inviting.
Drifting around, I came across a two-part statue that seemed like a guy lying down with crossed legs. It was a lavish installation in a verdant park called the Leg Garden. Nearby was a permanent set – Kripalu Caves. It is a replica of a complete ancient Buddhist Cave system. While real plants line the pathways, there is an abundance of fake flowers that even fool the butterflies.
Most crossroads had a massive installation ranging from classical to modern. I meandered around visiting the railway station, a London street, a colony of row houses, and came to an awe-inspiring mythological set. The stunning lighting created a breathtaking opulent feel here!
Parks, Gardens, and so much more
Film City has it all – a Mughal Garden, a Hawa Mahal, A Japanese Garden, a Garden with Khajuraho-like sculptures for song-and-dance sequences, a scenic waterfall, etc. While my camera was hungry for shots, I too felt hunger pangs. Stepping into Super Star, a cinema-themed restaurant, I enjoyed the delectable fare they served. And after lunch, I was all set to continue.
Near the restaurant, I found myself in a Hollywood style wild west town square. A wild-west costumed cast staged a short skit in an auditorium there. No matter which direction I walked, the marvels kept unravelling themselves. Each vying for attention. They had cordoned off some areas as film shoots were in progress there.
I can go on describing the experience, but then, as they say, a picture speaks a thousand words. So, instead of my words, experience the place with the images I made there. If the behind-the-scenes of cinema fascinates you, Bollywood Park in Mumbai offers a fun peek into film-making too. And remember to make time for a leisurely visit to Ramoji Film City during your next trip to Hyderabad.
🎬 VISITOR NOTES – RAMOJI FILM CITY
Getting there: Located about 30 km from Hyderabad city centre on the Hyderabad-Warangal Highway. Cabs from Hyderabad take roughly 45 minutes. No convenient public transport, so a cab or private vehicle is recommended.
Best time to visit: October to February, when Hyderabad’s heat is manageable. Avoid peak summer (April-June), as the site is 2000 acres and largely open-air.
How long to allow: A minimum of 4-5 hours, though a full day is better. The bus tour covers interesting sets but has fixed stops, so it will not pause for photography. Walking at your own pace gives you the freedom to stop, frame, and explore.
What to keep in mind: Wear comfortable footwear, as the site is vast. Some film shoot areas are cordoned off on any given day, so flexibility is key.
Combine with: Hyderabad’s Charminar, Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs, and the Salar Jung Museum make this an easy 2-3 day Hyderabad itinerary.
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