For decades, Bollywood has turned Dharavi into a visual shorthand for Mumbai’s crowded lanes, informal businesses, poverty and survival. But as the neighbourhood undergoes a major redevelopment, its cinematic identity could be heading for a dramatic change.
The transformation planned for Dharavi could introduce modern housing, commercial spaces, upgraded roads, improved infrastructure and new public amenities. For filmmakers and OTT producers, that could create a new kind of location — one that combines Mumbai’s character with a contemporary urban setting.
Executive producer Hanif Chatriwala, associated with films including Judwaa and Jeet, believes redevelopment could change how production teams view the neighbourhood.
“The transformation of Dharavi could give filmmakers a completely new location within Mumbai. If the infrastructure and accessibility improve as planned, production teams will naturally start looking at the area differently. It can offer a contemporary urban setting without losing the Mumbai character that makes the location special.”
A New Visual Identity
The evolution could give Dharavi a role similar to the way Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) became a symbol of Mumbai’s modern commercial landscape.
New high-rises, business spaces, redesigned streets and public areas could provide filmmakers with a ready-made contemporary backdrop. At the same time, traces of Dharavi’s older neighbourhood could create a distinctive contrast between Mumbai’s past and its emerging future.
Producer Anjum Rizvi, known for A Wednesday!, said authentic locations continue to hold strong value for filmmakers.
“Filmmakers are always looking for locations that look authentic. A transformed Dharavi could offer a completely different visual identity while still retaining Mumbai’s character. It could become an interesting location for both films and OTT productions.”
From Struggle to Transformation
The potential shift is significant because cinema has traditionally portrayed Dharavi through stories centred on hardship and deprivation. Redevelopment could allow producers to explore themes of aspiration, entrepreneurship, modernisation and social change instead.
The impact could extend beyond the screen. Increased filming activity could generate opportunities for local transporters, caterers, technicians, electricians, carpenters, security personnel and other service providers.
For Bollywood, Dharavi could therefore become more than an urban backdrop. It could emerge as a location that visually captures a city in transition.
The irony is that the redevelopment may make Dharavi less recognisable as the setting filmmakers once sought out. Yet that transformation itself could become its strongest cinematic appeal.
The neighbourhood that once represented Mumbai’s struggles could soon help tell stories about Mumbai’s transformation and its next chapter.
Source: Times Now
