When you think of filming in Mumbai, you might picture the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, or the ever-bustling CST station. But if you’re in the business of creating unforgettable advertisements, you’ll know that the magic often happens far away from the tourist hotspots. At Goodfellas Studio, we believe that the soul of a great ad lies not just in the script or the actor’s charm, but also in the perfect backdrop – and Mumbai has plenty of those if you know where to look.
As a top ad film production agency in Mumbai, we’ve shot in the most unexpected of places – under flyovers, inside 150-year-old bakeries, and even on rooftops with a pigeon audience. So buckle up as we reveal some of Mumbai’s hidden filming locations where the best ads are shot – and no, they’re not on Google Maps (well, not all of them).
1. Khotachiwadi – The Colourful Time Capsule
Tucked away in Girgaon, Khotachiwadi is like stepping into a Wes Anderson movie – pastel Portuguese-style houses, winding alleys, and an old-world charm that refuses to fade. Advertising filmmakers in Mumbai love this spot for its visual warmth and versatility. Whether you’re selling a heritage brand or launching an artsy fashion label, this location gives your ad an instant vintage appeal.
We once filmed a commercial here – the only challenge? Convincing the friendly aunty next door that her cat couldn’t have a cameo.
2. Versova Jetty – Rustic Meets Dramatic
Now, this one’s for the brave. Versova Jetty is raw, moody, and unapologetically real. You get fishing boats, nets, and sunset views that could make a grown cinematographer weep. For brands that want a “real India” vibe or a story of resilience and grit, this location nails it.
And hey, if you’re working with a small budget, the sea breeze is completely free. Just watch out for seagulls with zero respect for shot continuity.
3. Mazgaon Dock – Industrial Chic Without the Price Tag
Mazgaon Dock is a goldmine for industrial-themed ad shoots. Think gritty, dramatic steel structures, foggy mornings, and workers with interesting moustaches. Perfect for automobile ads, masculine fragrances, or anything that needs a little “edge.”
As part of Film Service Production in Mumbai, we help secure permissions for spots like this – which, let’s be honest, would be impossible to get unless your name is Shah Rukh Khan or your dad owns a shipping yard.
4. Ballard Estate – The ‘Not Really London’ of Mumbai
Ever wanted to film an ad in London but realised your brand’s budget barely covers Bandra? Enter Ballard Estate. With its colonial-era architecture and wide boulevards, it’s Mumbai’s best-kept secret when you want to go international without the airfare.
From luxury cars to formal wear to high-end tech gadgets, this place adds a touch of global flair to any shoot. Just remember – early morning is best, before the office crowd turns it into a chaos fest.
5. Chota Kashmir – Yes, It Exists
You read that right. Chota Kashmir in Goregaon is a mini-lake and garden setup that looks surprisingly like the real Kashmir (from certain angles, with good lighting… and a bit of imagination). Ideal for romantic ad spots or anything that needs greenery without the logistics of flying out of town.
We once shot a monsoon-themed ad here and had to explain to the client that the ducks weren’t part of the storyboard. They refused to sign release forms anyway.
6. The Byculla Bungalows – Vintage Vibes Galore
Some of the oldest bungalows in Byculla have been lovingly maintained by their residents – and we know which ones open their doors to film crews. These spaces are ideal for period ads or stories that need an authentic, regal backdrop.
You get old teak furniture, stained glass windows, and creaky floorboards that sound like they’re whispering secrets from the 1800s. As a top video production agency in India, we’ve turned these bungalows into everything from ancestral homes to haunted houses – all in a day’s work.
7. Aarey Colony – The City’s Last Green Frontier
Aarey is a go-to for nature-themed ads. Lush greenery, winding roads, and open spaces make it a filmmaker’s dream – though you might bump into the occasional cow or early morning jogger who’s very curious about your camera rig.
It’s particularly great for ad films that require scenes in natural environments, wellness product shoots, or anything with a “back to roots” narrative. We once built an entire fake campsite here – tents, campfire, marshmallows and all – for a 30-second ad. (No real marshmallows were harmed in the process.)
8. Forgotten Rooftops with Million-Dollar Views
One of the city’s best shooting spots? Rooftops. From Dadar to Fort, some of these lesser-known terraces offer dramatic skyline shots, sea views, and even glimpses of the city’s madness from above. It’s urban poetry at its best.
Advertising filmmakers in Mumbai have been using rooftops for fashion shoots, dramatic dialogues, and even bike stunts (though our insurance agent doesn’t like those much). The key is finding the right one – and as veterans in film service production in Mumbai, we know just the ones that won’t cave in during a dance sequence.
9. The Odd, the Abandoned, and the Unexpected
Finally, some of Mumbai’s most brilliant ad film locations are the oddballs – abandoned mills in Lower Parel, old railway quarters in Wadala, and forgotten cinema halls in Matunga. These spots ooze character and are often cheaper to rent, thanks to their “slightly haunted” vibe (don’t worry – we bring our own sage sticks).
When you work with a top ad film production agency in Mumbai like Goodfellas Studio, you get access to this insider knowledge – the kind that turns a good ad into a great one, all because the background told its own story.
Wrapping It Up (Like a Roll of Gaffer Tape)
Mumbai is a city of hidden gems – and the best advertising filmmakers in Mumbai know that magic doesn’t always happen in front of monuments or posh cafes. Sometimes, it’s in a crumbling staircase, a quiet dockyard, or a lane where time seems to stand still.
As the top video production agency in India, Goodfellas Studio takes pride in unearthing these secret locations and transforming them into powerful visual stories. Whether you’re filming a heartwarming family ad or a sleek tech spot, we’ve got the crew, the creativity, and the coordinates to make it happen.
So, the next time you think Mumbai’s overdone, give us a call. We’ll take you somewhere you’ve never seen – and probably introduce you to a tea stall that serves cutting chai worthy of its own feature film.
Lights, camera, chai break?
