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The iconic Kamal Amrohi Studios, a 15-acre property on Mumbai’s Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road, is set to undergo a dramatic transformation. Once a hub for Bollywood’s most celebrated films and television shows, the studios will soon host Mumbai’s largest single office space, courtesy of Bengaluru-based real estate firm RMZ Corp and the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB).
Established in 1958 by legendary filmmaker Kamal Amrohi, the studios, also known as Kamalistan, have long been synonymous with Bollywood’s golden era. Nestled near the lush Aarey forests, the studios provided a backdrop for numerous classic films.
The studio’s legacy includes iconic works like Pakeezah, Kamal Amrohi’s magnum opus starring Meena Kumari, which took 15 years to complete. Other hits like Kaalia, Amar Akbar Anthony, and more recently Dabangg 2 were also filmed here. The proximity to the Aarey forests made Kamalistan a preferred choice for filmmakers until the establishment of Film City in the 1970s.
The redevelopment of Kamalistan mirrors similar transformations in Mumbai’s film studio landscape. In 2017, the Kapoor family sold the historic RK Studio in Chembur to Godrej Properties, which repurposed the site into a premium residential project while retaining the original studio entrance as a tribute to its legacy.
Similarly, RMZ aims to honor Kamalistan’s rich cinematic history through its architectural design and functionality. “We want to celebrate the legacy of the area, incorporating elements that reflect its heritage as a film and television hub,” added Govindraj. The development will also include a significant retail component, aligning with RMZ’s vision for an integrated, multi-purpose complex.
RMZ and CPPIB are jointly investing $750 million in the project, titled RMZ Nexus, which will be constructed in two phases. The project will feature 1.7 million square feet of office space in its first phase, slated for completion in 36 months. Renowned American architecture firm SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), known for designing landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the Bengaluru International Airport, has been appointed as the principal architect.
“We’ve commenced piling work and are finalizing an international construction firm to execute the build,” said Thirumal Govindraj, CEO of RMZ’s office business. The developers envision an integrated development that will blend the area’s cinematic legacy with modern office and retail spaces.
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