Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath laid the foundation stone for India's largest International Film City in Greater Noida's Sector 21, marking the state's bold entry into the entertainment industry.

The massive 1,000-acre project, developed by Bayview Bhutani Film City—a joint venture between filmmaker Boney Kapoor and Bhutani Group—will be built in four phases over eight years along the Yamuna Expressway. The first phase covers 230 acres with an investment of Rs 900-1,510 crore.

The film city will feature 13-14 advanced sound stages, India's rare underwater shooting studio, a film institute, permanent outdoor sets, and actor accommodation facilities. Later phases will add hotels, shopping areas, and entertainment zones.

Officials project the mega-project will generate five lakh direct and indirect jobs. Its strategic location near the upcoming Noida International Airport positions Uttar Pradesh to rival Mumbai and Hyderabad as India's entertainment hub.