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Entertainment
Historic Bhopal Jail Turns Film Set for ‘Sanju’ and ‘Maharani’
✍️ The Daily Jagran
🗓 15 Nov 2026, 05:46 PM
👁 18
The 1885‑built Bhopal Central Jail, once a prison for freedom fighters, has been repurposed as a shooting location for Bollywood movies like Sanju and Maharani.
The Bhopal Central Jail, constructed in 1885 during the British era, has a storied past as a detention centre for Indian freedom fighters. In recent years, the historic structure has been transformed into a sought‑after film location, attracting Bollywood productions such as Sanju and Maharani.
Film crews are drawn to the jail’s authentic colonial architecture and its preserved cell blocks, which provide a realistic backdrop for period dramas and intense narratives. The local authorities have facilitated the use of the premises by offering logistical support and ensuring that the historical integrity of the site is maintained.
The conversion of the jail into a film set has brought economic benefits to the surrounding community, creating temporary jobs for local vendors and boosting tourism interest in Bhopal’s heritage sites. While the jail continues to function as a functional prison, its dual role as a cultural landmark underscores the city’s evolving identity.
Industry insiders note that the unique ambience of the jail, combined with modern production facilities, makes it a competitive alternative to studio sets. The trend is expected to grow as more filmmakers seek authentic locations that can convey historical depth without extensive set construction.
Film crews are drawn to the jail’s authentic colonial architecture and its preserved cell blocks, which provide a realistic backdrop for period dramas and intense narratives. The local authorities have facilitated the use of the premises by offering logistical support and ensuring that the historical integrity of the site is maintained.
The conversion of the jail into a film set has brought economic benefits to the surrounding community, creating temporary jobs for local vendors and boosting tourism interest in Bhopal’s heritage sites. While the jail continues to function as a functional prison, its dual role as a cultural landmark underscores the city’s evolving identity.
Industry insiders note that the unique ambience of the jail, combined with modern production facilities, makes it a competitive alternative to studio sets. The trend is expected to grow as more filmmakers seek authentic locations that can convey historical depth without extensive set construction.