Boney Kapoor's Noida Film City project gets Yeida nod after layout revision

Noida Film City Project

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) on Monday approved the revised layout plan for Phase 1 of the Rs 1,500 crore Film City project in Yeida Sector 21, Noida, submitted by a consortium led by filmmaker Boney Kapoor and the Bhutani Group, HT reported.

The clearance comes after Yeida had rejected the initial proposal on May 27, citing multiple violations - including unauthorised commercial construction in industrial zones, deviation from the approved land use and absence of mandatory certifications such as fire NOC and structural safety clearance.

Officials confirmed the revised plan submitted by Bayview Bhutani Film City Private Limited has now met all required conditions and incorporates 15% green cover, as mandated. "The revised layout plan now complies with all terms and conditions, including the requisite NOCs for fire safety and structural stability. It also adheres to the approved land-use plan. That is why we approved the layout,” said Arun Vir Singh, CEO, Yeida, as quoted by TOI.

The Rs 10,000-crore Film City project, spread across 230 acres, will be developed in phases. Of the total land, 155 acres are designated for industrial use and 75 acres for commercial development. Phase 1, covering 80 acres, will include a film institute and studios. Of this, 21 acres will house the institute and 134 acres will be allocated to film-related infrastructure.

The earlier version of the layout had drawn criticism for converting land earmarked for green areas - parks, open spaces and playgrounds - into studio spaces with residential accommodation and other structures. Commercial components like malls and hotels were also included within industrial zones, in violation of land use norms, TOI reported.

According to the revised plan, the developer must complete at least 15% of the core film infrastructure — the institute and studios — before being granted permissions for any commercial activity. “We want them first to develop film institutes and the studios so that the film training and film making work can start. Later we will allow them to focus on other areas,” said Singh, quoted HT.

Development of the first phase is expected to take 18 months. Boney Kapoor has said that he plans to invite Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, likely before 30 June. “We have plans [and] aim to complete the first phase within 18 months and begin shooting thereafter,” Kapoor said, quoted TOI.

Bhutani Group CEO Ashish Bhutani added that all objections raised earlier by the authority had been addressed and the development would strictly adhere to the concession agreement.

The proposed film institute aims to train local youth in camera work, direction, costume design, art and other production skills, generating employment opportunities and reducing production costs for filmmakers. “If we can find trained professionals here in Noida, we can reduce the crew size to around 50,” Kapoor was quoted by TOI, noting that moving large film units often adds to production costs.

Located just 4 km from the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar, the Film City is positioned to be a major boost to the state’s entertainment infrastructure, potentially transforming the region into a film production hub.