Ramoji Film City: A world of fantasy

Located about 35km from the heart of Hyderabad, Ramoji Film City, popularly known as RFC, is the largest film studio complex in the world as certified by " Guinness Records". Located on a massive 1,666 acres on the outskirts of the city along the Vijayawada Highway, it took nearly six years to complete and is popularly perceived as India's answer to the Universal Studios in Hollywood. Besides being the world's largest integrated film studio, it is also a popular tourist attraction, a great venue for events and a recreation center. One-stop destinatio RFC has the distinction of handling 400 movies per year in various Indian languages and can handle 15 shoots in a day, reveal officials from the studio. In fact, it is a one-stop destination for filmmakers. Right from the latest shooting and filmmaking equipment to all the know-how and manpower needed to put up an elaborate set, verdant landscapes, and woods, pre-built sets of avenues, airport, railway station, etc, and easily available technical and non-technical man power, RFC has it all. Any filmmaker can walk in here with just a script and the main cast and walk out with a film that's ready to hit the marquee. RFC provides a varied range of facilities for shooting, post-production, accommodation, restaurants, logistics and security and above all fun, frolic and entertainment, all juxtaposed together. Recently Yelamanchili Saibabu, who produced the mythological film "Sri Ramarajyam", shot a major portion of his film at RFC. "A mythological film calls for a lot of work as the sets need to have a period look. For "Sri Ramarajayam" I made huge sets of durbars and palace interiors. My art director gave the sketch to the RFC staff and they created the set for us. Nearly 700 workers from RFC worked on the sets and completed it on time," says Saibabu. Also, following the recent T-attacks on film sets, many filmmakers prefer to shoot their films in the safer confines of the studio. Not only is RFC a favorite with local filmmakers, even those from Mumbai find it financially viable to shoot their films at RFC. David Dhawan whilst here in the city said, "In Mumbai, work doesn't start until 11 am. Here at RFC, it is surprising to see the set people reporting to work as early as 7 am! Here work gets done quicker and at a reasonable price." Popular tourist spot With over a million tourists every year, RFC is a popular tourist destination and is a must visit for many people from India and abroad. The film city offers a kaleidoscope of attractions. Rolling landscapes, striking gardens, captivating live stunt shows and thrill rides make it a haven of amusement. The amazing sets here are a vistor's delight - from the royal palaces of the Mughal era and the Mauryan Empire to the rugged towns of the American Wild West! For foodies, a trip here is a gastronomic adventure of sorts. One can relish mouth-watering fare at the thematic restaurants like Alampana, Chanakya, Gunsmoke or Ganga Jamuna. Kids can have a ball at Fundustan - an irresistible world of thrilling rides and breathtaking fun games. Borasura, the sorcerer's den, Hawa Mahal and the scary caves are a favorite with children. Another feature that's a hit with all age groups is the Ramoji Tower which offers a fabulous aerial view of the entire film city. Even as you enjoy the view it's time to experience a one-of-its-kind 4D virtual reality - suddenly you can feel the tremors of a massive earthquake, the building giving way as you take a headlong tumble down the tower!