Hyderabad: Part of the iconic Saradhi Studios at Ameerpet, one of the earliest film studios in Hyderabad, will give way to a commercial mall, multiplex and hotel spread over 97,442 square metres built up area.
While the original building with floors for indoor shooting will be intact, the outdoor area will be converted into a thematic mall. The Telangana State Environment Impact Assessment Authority had recommended environment clearance during the recent meeting based on an application made by Sri Saradhi Studios Private Limited. Old films like Raithu Bidda and recent ones like Gabbar Singh starring Pawan Kalyan and Janata Garage starring Jr NTR were shot at the studio.
Saradhi Studios’ chief operating officer Mr Murali Krishna Raju said, “Originally, the studio was located on more than seven acre. After losing land to roads-widening and Metro Rail, we have about six acres. The original building built in 1936 existed here. We are now constructing a mall and multiplex in the area in front of the studio. Recently, half of the movie Janata Garage was shot in the sets put up in this area.
“Once we start construction of the mall, there is no possibility of sets outside, but indoor shootings will continue.”
Saradhi Studios’ director K.V. Rao said, “We started the studio in 1956. All the four floors will be intact; we are giving two for film shootings and two for TV shootings. These days films are being shot outdoors at Manikonda. We have also modernised the studio and added digital labs for post production. The upcoming mall and multiplex will be thematic where visitors may have a view of film shoots.” According to the documents submitted to the TS PCB, the project cost is around Rs 250 crore.
