How Indian Cinema Shapes Architectural Perception and Place-Making
In an article for ArchDaily, Ananya Nayak examines how Indian cinema influences architectural views and the creation of spaces. It emphasizes the enduring spatial impressions formed by temporary film sets, such as the five-acre Kamathipura replica in Mumbai's Film City for 'Gangubai Kathiawadi,' designed by Amit Ray and Subrata Chakraborty. The article contrasts this with the College of Agriculture in Pune, which has become linked to cinema; a 2025 Built Heritage study revealed changed perceptions among its students and faculty. Additionally, it notes Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, which draws 1.5 million visitors each year, and highlights 'The Script' installation by Field Architects at ADFF Mumbai 2017, reflecting cinema's impact on architectural aspirations. Ultimately, the article asserts that cinema crafts memorable images that extend beyond a singular fictional representation of India.
Key facts
- Article by Ananya Nayak published on ArchDaily on September 2, 2026.
- Amit Ray and Subrata Chakraborty designed a five-acre Kamathipura set for 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' in Mumbai Film City.
- The set included a cafeteria, bar, and hospital, with spaces for cast and cameras to move as in a real neighborhood.
- The College of Agriculture in Pune, founded in 1907, has been used as a film location since 'Munna Bhai MBBS'.
- A 2025 study in Built Heritage found that cinema altered perceptions of the College of Agriculture building.
- Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad spans about 800 hectares and attracts 1.5 million visitors annually.
- Sets from 'Baahubali' at Ramoji Film City are now tourist attractions.
- 'The Script' by Field Architects, created for ADFF Mumbai 2017, is a bamboo pavilion exploring cinema's influence on architectural desire.
- The article is part of ArchDaily's theme 'The Allure of Escapism in Architecture and Alternative Worlds'.
Entities
Artists
- Ananya Nayak
- Amit Ray
- Subrata Chakraborty
- Field Architects
Institutions
- ArchDaily
- Mumbai Film City
- College of Agriculture
- Ramoji Film City
- Field Architects
- ADFF Mumbai
- Built Heritage
- College of Agriculture Pune
Locations
- India
- Mumbai
- Bombay
- Pune
- Hyderabad
- Ladakh
- Kamathipura
- London