Ivy Studios Pune: India's Top Filmmakers? Unbelievable!
Ivy Studios Pune: India's Top Filmmakers? Unbelievable! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Ivy Studios Pune, and honestly? It's a lot to unpack. The tagline boasts "India's Top Filmmakers," which, let's be real, is a massive claim. Did the hotel live up to it? Well, that depends on whether you're comparing it to a Hollywood soundstage or, you know, a decent hotel. Let's dive in, shall we? (And for the SEO bots, here's your metadata dump right off the bat: Ivy Studios Pune, India, Filmmaking, Hotel Review, Luxury Hotel, Pune Hotels, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Fitness Center, Family Friendly, Business Hotel)
First Impressions & the Accessibility Guff (Because, you know, real life isn't always smooth):
Finding the place was a mini-adventure. Google Maps tried to send me down a cow path at one point. (Okay, slight exaggeration, but the roads were a little… rustic.) Getting in seemed relatively simple. I mean, there's a doorman, 24-hour front desk, a whole bunch of CCTV cameras (inside and out – feels safe, slightly Big Brother-ish), and an elevator. So, good start on basic accessibility. I saw evidence of facilities for disabled guests, but didn't personally investigate them – though, I do hope they're genuinely well-designed, because that matters.
They do have car park [free of charge] AND Valet parking – another win! My clumsy self nearly tripped over my own feet attempting to unload my luggage, so bless the valet guys’ efforts (they were definitely on top of their game!). On the way in the entrance was quite grand, however, the "India's Top Filmmakers" tagline seemed a bit like a Hollywood marketing pitch – I mean, is there a real film studio in there?
The Room: My Little Bunker (With a Surprisingly Comfortable Bed!)
My room? Yep. The basics were there: Air conditioning (essential in Pune!), Free Wi-Fi (thank the heavens!), Daily housekeeping (super important!), and a coffee/tea maker (my morning savior!). Now, the internet access - LAN was a bit of a relic. Who even uses LAN cables anymore? (Okay, maybe some of you tech wizards out there, but not this gal!). The Wi-Fi [free] worked, though, and that's what mattered most. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in, and the bed? Surprisingly, ridiculously, gloriously comfortable. I think I considered never leaving it.
They had bathrobes, slippers, complimentary tea, free bottled water, a mini-bar (tempting, but I resisted the urge for a mid-afternoon snack. mostly.). There was a desk, ironing facilities and extra long bed (another win!) – a workspace, so I could kinda work, if I wanted, I think.
The bathroom was functional. Nothing fancy, but clean and with toiletries. I did appreciate the separate shower/bathtub. The mirror was huge and useful for checking if you've got bedhead. And the hot water linen and laundry washing was handy.
The Dining Scene: A Culinary Adventure (…or Not?)
Okay, the food. This is where things got… interesting. They have a lot of options, which is good! Restaurants, a la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, buffet in restaurant, international cuisine in restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, and western cuisine in restaurant are all available.
I tried going for the breakfast [buffet] one morning. It was… fine. Definitely not the best breakfast I've ever had, but the Asian breakfast option was a nice touch. The coffee/tea in restaurant was drinkable, but not mind-blowing. And look, I appreciated the bottle of water in the room. But the coffee shop? A bit underwhelming.
I tried the room service [24-hour] one night when I absolutely couldn't face the idea of leaving my comfy bed. It arrived quickly, which was a plus. The food? Edible. I'd give it a solid "meh."
Poolside Bar & Happy Hour: My Happy Place
Now, the poolside bar? That's where things started looking up. The pool with view was absolutely gorgeous, and the poolside bar served some killer cocktails (during happy hour, no less!). Sipping a drink by the pool, watching the sun go down? Paradise. This is where I spent a good chunk of my time, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. The fact there were poolside bar and happy hour are a major plus!
Things to Do (or Not): Spa, Gym & the Rest
Okay, here’s where things get… a little overwhelming with the sheer amount of stuff available. They've got a fitness center (didn't go). A gym/fitness (again, not my style). A spa? (Hallelujah!!!). They had a Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool [outdoor], and Swimming pool - Wow!
I went for the massage, and it was… good. Not the best I've ever had, but relaxing nonetheless. The spa area itself was lovely and calming. They clearly put effort into creating a zen vibe (which I loved).
Cleanliness & Safety: COVID-Era Realities (and the Odd Quirks)
They were definitely taking things seriously on the cleanliness and safety front, which is fantastic. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays too.
I did notice a few things. The physical distancing of at least 1 meter was… pretty much enforced. Felt a little awkward sometimes, trying to navigate the hallways. There was Room sanitization opt-out available and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items - appreciated!
The Little Things (and the Quirks that Make a Place Unique):
- Cashless payment service was a breeze. The ease of not handling cash is a major win in my book.
- They had a gift/souvenir shop. Because, let's be honest, we've all needed a last-minute souvenir at some point.
- Concierge – super helpful, always greeted with a smile, very friendly!
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Wi-Fi for special events - all the things for your corporate getaway!
- The staff were friendly and helpful, but sometimes a little… overwhelmed.
- I think there was a shrine somewhere on the property? I vaguely remember seeing a sign. (I'm not religious, so I didn't seek it out).
- The smoking area was clearly defined, which is always a positive.
- The pets allowed unavailability is something I didn't think about, I'm glad there were no barking dogs keeping me awake!
The Verdict: Unbelievable? Maybe Not. But… Worth It?
So, is Ivy Studios Pune “India’s Top Filmmakers”? Well, I didn’t see any actual filmmaking happening. But was it a decent hotel? Absolutely. Would I go back? Probably. It was a mixed bag, sure, but ultimately, I had a good time. The pool and the happy hour cocktails? Unbeatable. The comfy bed? Divine. And even with a few quirks, the staff's genuine warmth and friendliness made up for any shortcomings. So, yeah, maybe not unbelievable, but definitely a solid choice for a stay in Pune. Just don't expect to bump into a celebrity director.
Ashburn's Hidden Gem: Economy Inn By OYO - Unbeatable Rates!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Pune adventure at Ivy Studios. Forget your rigid spreadsheets and perfectly-timed itineraries, because this is going to be more "organized chaos" and less "military precision." Prepare for the glorious, messy reality of travel.
Pune Pilgrimage: Ivy Studios & Beyond!
(Disclaimer: This is my experience. Your mileage may vary. Prepare to be annoyed, delighted, and possibly covered in dust.)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and…A Flat Tire?
Morning (Uh, Whenever): So, I've landed in Pune. Let's be real, the flight was a blur of airplane food and that one crying baby, which is a travel classic. I'm claiming it as a cultural experience already. The air at the airport? Hot and heavy with the scent of… well, India. I'm starving. First stop: Finding my way to the hotel in the chaos that is the Pune traffic.
Afternoon (The Great Car Hunt): I've managed to book a taxi, and it’s a small miracle itself, considering the 1000 different travel apps and the language barrier. The excitement is real though - I'm on my way to Ivy Studios! Maybe. The car seems a lot less excited, as it has a flat tire on a dusty road. Awesome start, right?
Late Afternoon/Early Evening (Hotel Hell & Hunger Pains): After an eternity fixing the tire (and sweating buckets), I finally arrive at the hotel. It looks perfect. Checked in. I am so famished. First, I check out what's good in the hotel, and it's an ok option. The room? Decently clean, but the AC sounds like a dying walrus. Minor setback. I’m gonna find a decent hotel restaurant.
- Rambling Thought: Why is it that every time I'm REALLY hungry, the food options become exponentially more confusing? The menu looks like hieroglyphics. I am very, very tempted by that bright yellow packet of chips the bellboy offered me.
Evening (Ivy Studios Reconnaissance & Pizza Panic): I've gathered my senses. I head towards Ivy Studios. I'm scouting the area, trying to get my bearings before the actual "work" begins, whatever that means. The studio is promising, a hive of creativity, I suppose. Then, after a lot of searching, I found a pizza place. Ordered pizza in advance. The wait? An hour. The pizza? Worth every second.
Day 2: Ivy Studios Immersion & Unexpected Epiphanies
Morning (The Studios' Embrace): Finally, I start exploring Ivy Studios. A studio full of photographers and film makers is the place to be. It seems like more of an informal space, more of a relaxed and creative atmosphere. I go with the flow. No strict schedule, but I'm loving the vibe.
Mid-day (The "Aha!" Moment): While chatting with a local artist, she explains the studio's concept - they offer the freedom for creatives to grow. It's all about a collaborative spirit. This hits me harder than I anticipated. Maybe, just maybe, I'll learn something.
Afternoon (Photography, Dust, and Determination): I am taking some photos. The heat starts to get to me. The dust is real. I decide to push myself through the discomfort. It's a moment of pure, unadulterated focus. I'm proud.
Evening (Spicy Food, So Much Spicy Food!): Dinner! That fiery thali nearly took me out. But it was glorious. My taste buds are now singing a fiery opera. I'm still debating whether it was worth it, but I'm glad I experienced it!
- Messy Observation: The sheer volume of spices! I think I sweated turmeric for a good hour afterward. And the papadams? Crumbly, delicious, and completely impossible to eat elegantly.
Day 3: Culture Shock and Unexpected Finds
- Morning (The Old City Charm) : I’ve decided to take a break from Ivy Studios and head into the old city. I'm still amazed by the vibrant energy and the sensory overload. My senses are overloaded, in the best way possible.
- Mid-day (The Market Adventure) : The markets! A riot of color, sounds, and smells. Seriously. I buy a few souvenirs. They will probably end up gathering dust somewhere, but it's the thought that counts, right? Bargaining is an Olympic sport here. I definitely got ripped off on a scarf, but I'm calling it a donation to local craftsmanship.
- Afternoon (The "Lost in Translation" Incident): I attempt to order a drink at a small cafe. I try explaining what I want, and I feel utterly lost in translation. My attempt at fluency is laughable. In the end, I just point to something and hope for the best. I get a ginger-lemonade-chili concoction. Surprisingly, it's amazing.
- Evening (Reflections and Regrets): Now, reflecting. I'm exhausted from all this stimulation. I do remember my flat tire incident. I wish I took more photos. I wish I spoke more Marathi. I could have made more meaningful connections with the people here. Next time. There is always a next time.
Day 4: Ivy Studios Finale & Departure
- Morning (Studio Farewell): One last morning at Ivy Studios. A lot more people are here, and it's great! I've met a few amazing artists, and their artwork is so cool. I’ll buy a painting and never have a place to hang it.
- Mid-day (Lunch & Lamentations): The farewell lunch at a local restaurant is bittersweet. The air is still hot, but the food is cold. I don't like that. I might be leaving, but a part of me will stay.
- Afternoon (Last-Minute Souvenirs & Pre-Departure Panic): Last-minute souvenir shopping. I'm desperately trying to cram everything into my bag. My flight is in a few hours. I'm running on adrenaline, determination, and caffeine.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (Taxi to the Airport, Adios!): Airport. Traffic. Crowds. Departure. Goodbye, Pune! Goodbye, Ivy Studios! Goodbye, amazing food. Goodbye, dust. Goodbye, chaos! See you (hopefully) next time!
(Final, Rambling Thoughts: I would do it again. In a heartbeat.)
This itinerary is a skeleton, a suggestion. Embrace the unexpected, get lost, eat things you can't pronounce, and remember, the best trips are the ones that knock you off your feet. Now go forth, and make some glorious travel messes!
Thamel Home: Your Dream Kathmandu Escape Awaits!
Ivy Studios Pune: India's Top Filmmakers? Seriously?! (A Very Unofficial FAQ...and My Brain Dump)
Okay, so...Ivy Studios. Are they *actually* the best? Like, THE BEST best?
Woah, hold your horses, champion! "Best" is subjective, right? It’s like asking if a mango is better than a guava – depends on your taste buds! But look, the buzz around Ivy Studios Pune is HUGE. HUGE. I’ve heard whispers of them being *the* go-to place, especially for… well, let's just say projects that demand polish and prestige. The kind of stuff you’d expect to see flashing on billboards or streaming platforms. They've got the pedigree, the clients, and probably the ridiculously expensive coffee machines to match. I should know, I tried to sneak in once for a free coffee... didn't work. #Fail.
But here's the thing… I've seen their stuff. And yes, some of it's ridiculously good. Makes you wanna chuck your own camera in the trash. So, yeah, they're *definitely* contenders. Top-tier? Probably. The absolute pinnacle? That’s for the film gods and industry insiders to decree. Me? I'm just a guy with a laptop and a dream... and a caffeine addiction.
What kind of films do they actually *make*? Is it all Bollywood glitz?
Alright, so here's the scoop. It's *not* just Bollywood, thankfully. While they've got their hand in the big, flashy productions – think music videos, some high-profile brand campaigns, and yeah, probably some Bollywood adjacent stuff – they dabble in a lot more. I've heard rumors of documentaries, corporate films (the fancy kind, not the snooze-fest ones), and even some independent projects. They're versatile, alright. Which is probably why they're, you know, *good*.
One time, I remember reading a blog post (probably from someone else trying to mooch coffee) that said they did a *really* cool short film about… uh… a talking samosa? Okay, maybe I dreamt that. But the point is, they're not pigeonholed. They seem to be open to different genres and styles. Which is incredibly annoying if you're a struggling filmmaker like me, because it means the competition is even *stiffer*! Curse you, Ivy Studios, and your creative diversity! (I say this with love, mostly.)
Do they hire... normal, non-god-level people? Like assistant editors or, you know, *me*?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Okay, look. This is where it gets complicated. I haven't *personally* seen a Craigslist ad from them. But the word on the street is they have internships and are always on the lookout for talent. Real talent, obviously. I'd imagine they're *very* selective. Think of it like college admissions… except the "college" is a film studio and the acceptance rate is probably lower than Harvard's. Seriously.
My advice (and this is completely unofficial advice, mind you): polish up your portfolio. Make it shine. Network like your career depends on it (because, well, it kinda does). Creep LinkedIn (professionally, of course!). And... and this is *crucial*... have a genuinely good reason for wanting to work there. Don't just say "I want to make movies." Everyone says that. Tell them why *you* want to make movies *with them*. That's what's going to set you apart. And maybe… just maybe… if you're really, really skilled, you’ll avoid a complete soul-crushing rejection.
(Side note: I’m pretty sure someone I know, who shall remain nameless, tried to bluff their way into an internship by claiming they were the "official coffee taster" for a rival studio. Didn't work. Don't be that person.)
What’s the *vibe* like? Is it all pretentious film bros?
Okay, here’s the tea. I can only speculate, based on what I've heard and the occasional peep through their heavily guarded windows. It's PROBABLY a high-pressure environment. I mean, they're *making films*! Film is serious business! But hopefully, it's also a creative one. I *really* hope they're not all pretentious, otherwise, I'm officially giving up on humanity.
Anecdotal evidence (aka, what my extremely talented friend who *maybe* knows someone who *maybe* worked on a project with them once said) suggests a blend of focused professionals and, you know, actual artists. Meaning, probably some egos, but hopefully, also some collaborative spirit. Let’s cross our fingers for a good mix! I envision lots of late nights fueled by passion and… expensive coffee. (I’m still bitter about the coffee, okay? Give me a break.)
Okay, so, do they *actually* pay well?
This is tricky. Again, I don't have access to their payroll records (damn it!). But let's be logical: given their clientele and the quality of their work, I'd wager they're *likely* able to afford to pay their employees (and freelancers) pretty well. Especially the key players.
But, and this is a big "but", the film industry is a fickle beast. Salaries can vary wildly depending on the project, the role, and how long it takes to get there. Interns? Probably not raking in the rupees. Experienced cinematographers? Probably living quite comfortably. Bottom line: do your research, ask around (discreetly!), and don't be afraid to negotiate. You're worth it. (Even if you're just fetching coffee, which, I'm sorry to say, is probably the role I'd be qualified for.)
What if I just want to *learn* from them? Can I shadow or something?
Shadowing? Again, highly unlikely. They're busy *making movies*! But... (there's always a but) ...they *might* offer workshops, masterclasses, or even open-day events. (I’m completely speculating here, mind you!) Keep an eye on their social media, their website, and industry publications. And network! Network! Network! That's the key. Know someone who's worked with them? Befriend them. Buy them a coffee (the non-expensive kind). Listen intently. Absorb information. But don't be *that* annoying leech who's constantly asking for favors. Find a balance. It's a delicate dance. A very delicate dance.
The reality is, if you want to learn, you have to be proactive. Take courses, make your own films (even if they're terrible, at first! Everybody startsUptown Lodging
