Planning a shoot, wedding or party on Madh Island

BMC's own film-shooting policy calls the Madh Island–Marve area an informal hub of film studios, bungalows and locations for films, TV serials and ads.¹ The Government's film offices say many films and soap operas have been shot here, and Erangal is a favourite.²³ Madh is also a favourite for pre-wedding shoots,¹⁴ and many of its bungalows are let for weddings and parties.

This guide covers what you need to sort out before the day. It's general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the details with the office concerned.

Film and TV shoots: the permissions you need

BMC's policy says film, TV and ad shoots need BMC permission, whether on a public street or on private property, and whether or not you build a set. Licensed indoor studios are the exception.¹ If you're not sure whether your shoot counts, ask the ward office.

• Who to ask. The Assistant Commissioner of the BMC ward office handles it through the ward's one-window desk.¹ Madh Island is in ward P/North.¹³
• What to submit. Police permission (local and traffic), a no-objection letter from the property owner, and a layout plan.¹ Temporary sets also need structural stability, fire and electrical certificates.¹
• How long it takes. BMC's policy says permission without a temporary structure is due within 48 hours.¹ Shoots that need approvals from other bodies take longer: sets on the coast can be held up if a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval is needed.¹ Apply well ahead.
• Shooting in several places? Maharashtra's Film Cell, run from Film City in Goregaon, offers a single-window system for permissions from several agencies, with a target of 15 working days.⁴⁵ An online portal has been announced; check its status with the Film Cell.

The noise rules: these apply to weddings and parties too

Mumbai's sound limits come from the national Noise Pollution Rules, and the Bombay High Court has been tightening how they're enforced.⁶⁹

• Loudspeakers need written permission from the authorities.⁶ In Mumbai, ask at your local police station.
• 10 pm to 6 am: no loudspeakers, DJ systems or amplified music, except inside closed premises such as banquet halls.⁶ An open lawn or a bungalow terrace is unlikely to count as closed premises.
• The midnight exception. The state can allow music until midnight on up to 15 festival days a year, notified in advance.⁷ In Mumbai the Collector publishes the list each year: in 2026 it included four Ganpati days.⁸ Check the current list before promising a late night.
• Volume limits. In residential areas, the ambient noise standard is 55 decibels by day and 45 at night. A private sound system mustn't push the level at your boundary more than 5 decibels above that.⁶ Areas around hospitals, schools, courts and places of worship can be declared silence zones, with lower limits.⁶ Madh has several churches and temples, so ask about this when you apply.
• Enforcement is getting stricter. In September 2026 the High Court told police to measure sound levels and seize sound systems used in breach of the rules. It also banned firecrackers on public streets during festivities and laser beam lights.⁹

Before you book a bungalow

Recent years have seen a crackdown on unauthorised construction on Madh:

• 2023: after the National Green Tribunal dismissed their appeal, BMC demolished studios that had permission only for temporary use.¹¹¹⁶
• Reported in 2025: a special investigation team set up on the High Court's orders found 102 forged maps used to pass off coastal and no-development land as buildable in Madh, Marve and Versova.¹²
• May 2025: BMC pulled down 14 structures in Erangal and Valnai, including a TV serial set.¹³

A booking at a property under a notice can fall through at short notice. Before you pay a deposit:

1. Ask whether the property has any BMC notice or court case against it, and get the answer in writing.
2. Ask what permissions the venue holds for events or shoots, and which ones you'll need yourself.
3. Agree the music plan up front: where the speakers go, and the 10 pm cut-off.
4. Get the booking, deposit, cancellation terms and what's included in writing. Pay against a receipt.
5. Plan transport. The road from Malad is the only way in for cars, and in the monsoon the Versova ferry usually stops. See how to reach Madh Island.
6. Keep guests out of the sea. BMC's beach-safety list marks Aksa (Dana Pani) and Marve as unsafe.¹⁵ See beach safety.
7. Keep away from defence land. The naval base at INS Hamla and the old fort at Madh are defence areas. Don't film or fly drones over them.

Help on the day

Caterers, cabs, stays for out-of-town guests and crew support are all listed on Madh Local. Each business is marked "Checked in person" or "Not checked yet", so you know what we've verified.