Greater Noida is set to witness a landmark cultural and economic transformation with the foundation-laying ceremony of the ambitious International Film City project scheduled for late June. While the official date remains to be confirmed, senior officials indicate it will take place before the end of the month, led by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
The first phase of the project, to be executed over 230 acres in Sector 21 along the Yamuna Expressway, is estimated to cost between ₹900 crore and ₹1,510 crore. It will introduce state-of-the-art filmmaking infrastructure including 13 to 14 advanced sound stages, an underwater studio, permanent outdoor sets, a dedicated film and television institute, actor accommodations, a film museum, and a convention centre. This phase is being jointly developed by Bayview Bhutani Film City Pvt Ltd—a venture involving a leading filmmaker and the Bhutani Group—along with the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA).
After initial delays over non-compliance with green cover norms and mandatory safety certifications, the project received the green light from YEIDA following a revised layout plan. The revised blueprint addressed environmental requirements such as the mandated 15% green cover, and included the necessary structural safety and no-objection certificates, unlocking approval for the 80-acre core industrial zone and allowing the foundation stone event to proceed.
The development is part of a long-term vision to establish a 1,000-acre, world-class entertainment and media hub over four phases in eight years. The larger blueprint includes commercial districts, luxury hotels, retail spaces, and recreational areas that will complement the core film production infrastructure. Future phases aim to create an integrated ecosystem for filmmaking, tourism, and business.Strategically located near the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar, the Film City is designed to serve as a logistical and creative magnet for both domestic and international productions. Authorities believe its proximity to major infrastructure corridors gives it a competitive edge over other film hubs in India.
Officials expect the project to generate as many as five lakh direct and indirect jobs across sectors including production, hospitality, education, event management, and creative services. Beyond economic upliftment, the Film City is expected to significantly enhance Noida’s cultural footprint and position Uttar Pradesh as a rising force in India’s media and entertainment landscape.While initial focus will remain on environmentally conscious construction and sustainable studio design, long-term plans align with broader goals of building a low-emission, inclusive, and smart urban entertainment centre. The project is being positioned not just as an industrial zone but as a living, breathing cultural district for next-generation content creation.
With the launch of construction imminent, Noida is on the cusp of becoming a key anchor in the country’s creative economy. If executed as planned, the International Film City may well become one of the largest such developments in South Asia, reaffirming India’s global stature in storytelling, cinema, and digital production.
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