Mumbai: Scenic Apta station and the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) continue to reign as top choices for filmmakers, helping Central Railway generate a revenue of Rs 40.13 lakh from film shoots during the financial year 2024–25. From Bollywood blockbusters to Netflix originals and ad films, seven major shoots—including productions by Dharmatic and Katha Pictures—were carried out at various Central Railway locations.
Apta station emerged as the most lucrative location, contributing nearly 68% of the total earnings with Rs 27.57 lakh from just three shoots. The highest individual revenue came from “Gandhari”, a production by Katha Pictures, which brought in Rs 17.85 lakh. This was followed by Dharmatic Productions’ “Aap Jaisa Koi”, generating Rs 8.12 lakh—both films shot at Apta, a station long favored by filmmakers and known for iconic movies like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Munna Michael.
Other projects shot on Central Railway premises in FY 2024–25 included were Netflix film Khakhi and ad film for T-20 World Cup at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Telugu film Kuber at Cotton Green, Web series Children of Freedom at Apta and Web series Dal Dal at Matunga.
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Central Railway’s locations have long been a favorite for Bollywood and international filmmakers alike, with films like Slumdog Millionaire, Kaminey, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Ra.One, Rang De Basanti, and Dabangg among those shot on its premises. Alongside Apta and CSMT, other popular film locations include Panvel, Lonavala, Khandala, Wathar, Satara, and railway yards like Turbhe and Wadi Bunder.
To streamline the process for filmmakers, Central Railway has introduced a single-window system through its Public Relations Department. This system simplifies the approval process, enabling quicker permissions upon submission of required documents, including the script.