The Noida Film City project is already encountering major obstacles before construction has even started. After international tenders failed to draw bidders, it became difficult to find a developer for Yogi government initiative.
In the end, the Bhutani Group and a consortium headed by producer Boney Kapoor were awarded the contract. The original layout plan, which Kapoor submitted last week, has since been the subject of numerous objections from government officials.
Changes to the designated green spaces, which were initially intended to be parks, playgrounds, and multipurpose open areas, are the primary source of contention. On these green spaces, the developers plan to erect movie theatres, lodgings, and other amenities.
CEO Arun Vir Singh explained to TOI that according to the Uttar Pradesh government-approved land use plan, 15% of the total project area—specifically, the first phase spanning 230 acres in Sector 21—must remain as green space. “Right now, the layout is not in accordance with the sanctioned land use. Green areas have not been shown properly and are fragmented,” he said.
As per TOI, officials noted that the submitted plan was unclear about the green belt. It is challenging to recognise the green areas as designated green spaces because they only occur alongside roads rather than being consolidated and clearly defined zones.
In addition, the draft layout places a number of commercial structures—like hotels and warehouses—in the industrial zone, which is against the authorised land use guidelines. Additionally, the consortium has not yet submitted a structural stability certificate or the required no-objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department.
The approved land use plan designates 155 acres of the first phase for industrial purposes—including a film institute on 21 acres and film-related infrastructure, such as studios and production units, across 134 acres. The remaining 75 acres are reserved for commercial development, to be undertaken only in later phases.
Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) officials met with Boney Kapoor and Bhutani Group CEO Ashish Bhutani on Monday to discuss the objections. They have requested a revised, phase-wise development plan. “Only Phase 1, covering the industrial area, will be considered for approval right now. The remaining Phases 2 and 3 must also be shown clearly in the updated map,” Singh stated.
Another senior official clarified that permission for commercial complexes like malls, hotels, or resorts will not be granted unless the developer completes at least 15% of the core film-related infrastructure.
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Following the meeting, Kapoor announced that the Film City’s groundbreaking ceremony would take place before 30 June. He also reiterated, “The development of the Film City will begin with core infrastructure—including film studios and a film institute—which must be completed within three years. Once we achieve a certain level of construction of the film studios and institute, commercial development may start with YEIDA's permission.”
Responding to the objections raised by YEIDA, Ashish Bhutani said, “There has been no change in the green area, and it is intact as per the approved plan. As far as the NOC and structural stability certificate are concerned, they will be submitted to YEIDA when we seek approval for the building plans.” He added that the developers had already addressed the Authority’s concerns and resubmitted the plan. “We are hopeful of getting the layout sanctioned by the end of this week,” Bhutani said.
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