Harshvardhan Mishra
Film studios are the beating hearts of cinematic production, home to the sets, sound stages, and backlots where movie magic is made. Around the world, many studios boast massive campuses and state-of-the-art facilities, but when it comes to sheer size, one name stands above the rest: Ramoji Film City, located in Hyderabad, India.
Certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest film studio complex in the world, Ramoji Film City is a cinematic wonderland that combines movie-making with tourism, education, and entertainment.
In this article, we explore what makes Ramoji Film City the largest of its kind, its history, features, and how it compares to other major studios across the globe.
Where Is Ramoji Film City Located?
- Location: Anajpur Village, Hayathnagar Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Established: 1991
- Founder: Ramoji Rao (media tycoon and head of the Ramoji Group)
Located about 30 kilometers from Hyderabad city center, Ramoji Film City stretches across more than 1,666 acres (6.74 square kilometers) of land. It serves not only as a functional film production studio but also as a fully developed tourist destination.
Guinness World Record: Largest Film Studio in the World
Ramoji Film City holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest integrated film studio complex. This recognition is based on both its physical area and its capacity to facilitate multiple film productions simultaneously.
In terms of raw size, it dwarfs most film studios in North America and Europe. For comparison:
| Studio | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Ramoji Film City | Hyderabad, India | 1,666 acres |
| Pinewood Studios | Buckinghamshire, UK | ~100 acres |
| Universal Studios | Hollywood, USA | ~400 acres |
| Warner Bros. Studios | Burbank, USA | ~110 acres |
What’s Inside Ramoji Film City?
Ramoji Film City is essentially a film-making city within a city. It has everything a filmmaker could need—from pre-production to post-production facilities—plus accommodations, restaurants, gardens, and amusement areas.
1. Sets and Locations
The facility includes permanent sets of:
- Airports
- Railway stations
- Temples
- Villages
- Urban streets
- European-style towns
- Mughal gardens
- Palaces
- Wild West backdrops
Filmmakers can shoot in dozens of diverse settings without ever leaving the studio grounds.
2. Production Facilities
- 50+ sound stages
- High-end editing suites
- Dolby-certified dubbing theaters
- Green screen and chroma setups
- Costume and prop warehouses
- Outdoor shooting areas with controlled lighting
3. Post-Production Services
- VFX and CGI suites
- Audio recording studios
- Film processing labs
- Preview theaters
4. Accommodation and Hospitality
- Luxury and budget hotels within the premises (e.g., Sitara Luxury Hotel, Tara Hotel)
- Restaurants, cafes, and food courts
- Transportation and guide services for tourists
5. Entertainment for Tourists
Ramoji is not just a studio—it’s a tourist magnet. Visitors can enjoy:
- Studio tours
- Stunt shows
- Live dance performances
- Theme park rides
- Botanical gardens
- Bird park and zoo areas
Films and Shows Shot at Ramoji
Ramoji Film City has hosted over 2,500 Indian and international film projects across languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and English. Notable films include:
- Bahubali: The Beginning and Bahubali: The Conclusion
- Dilwale (2015)
- Chennai Express
- Robot (Enthiran)
- Pushpa
- Numerous South Indian blockbusters and television serials
Its scale allows multiple production teams to work simultaneously—a rarity in the film industry.
How Does It Compare Globally?
While Ramoji Film City holds the size title, other studios hold different forms of prestige:
- Warner Bros. Studios (Burbank, California) is known for producing iconic franchises like Harry Potter, Batman, and Friends.
- Pinewood Studios (UK) is famous for James Bond, Star Wars, and Marvel films.
- Universal Studios Hollywood is a blend of working studio and theme park, offering behind-the-scenes tours of famous sets.
However, none of these match the all-in-one integration and massive area of Ramoji Film City.
🧭 Visiting Ramoji Film City
If you’re a cinema lover, Ramoji Film City should be on your travel bucket list. Here’s what you need to know:
- Entry fee: Varies by package (basic entry starts around ₹1,250 for adults)
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, open year-round
- Best time to visit: October to March for pleasant weather
- Booking: Online reservations available via the official website or travel portals
There are guided tours that take you through live sets, prop rooms, gardens, and stunt shows, offering a peek behind the scenes of Indian cinema.
🧠 Fun Facts
- Ramoji Film City can accommodate more than 20 film units at the same time.
- It’s often described as the Indian version of Universal Studios, but on a larger scale.
- The gardens within the complex are maintained by a team of hundreds of horticulturists and landscape designers.
🎬 Final Thoughts
The world’s largest film studio isn’t in Hollywood or Europe—it’s in the heart of South India. Ramoji Film City is a testament to the grandeur and diversity of Indian cinema. With its sprawling acres, in-house facilities, and dual appeal to filmmakers and tourists alike, it redefines what a film studio can be.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a die-hard movie buff, or just a curious traveler, a visit to Ramoji Film City promises a cinematic experience like no other.
