New Delhi: India with its rich tapestry of colours and culture has been a muse for filmmakers across the globe. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene backwaters of Kerala, the country’s varied locales offer cinematic magic at every turn.
Hollywood too, hasn’t been able to resist the allure of India’s vibrant settings. Over the years, several iconic movies have turned to the Indian soil for its unique narratives and a dash of unmatched authenticity.
Hollywood movies shot in India
These films have not only brought global recognition to India’s breathtaking beauty but have also showcased its deep cultural essence. Let’s dive into the reel stories that brought India to life on Hollywood’s canvas.
1. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
This delightful dramedy follows a group of British retirees who move to Jaipur, lured by the promise of a luxurious retirement home. What they find instead is a dilapidated yet charming hotel run by an optimistic owner, played by Dev Patel. The vibrant streets of Rajasthan and the majestic Amer Fort serve as perfect backdrops for this feel-good story.
Director: John Madden
Starring: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Dev Patel
Filming Locations: Jaipur, Udaipur
2. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
A cinematic masterpiece, Slumdog Millionaire took the world by storm with its heartwarming rags-to-riches tale. The film beautifully captured the contrasting landscapes of Mumbai, from its sprawling slums to the dazzling cityscape. It also introduced the world to the electrifying energy of India’s metropolitan life.
Director: Danny Boyle
Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto
Filming Locations: mumbai
3. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Christopher Nolan’s epic finale to his Batman trilogy features a surprising Indian connection. The hauntingly beautiful Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur serves as the setting for Bruce Wayne’s dramatic escape from the pit prison. It’s a brief yet unforgettable sequence that adds to the film’s grandeur.
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway
Filming Locations: Jodhpur (Mehrangarh Fort)
4. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
While Zero Dark Thirty primarily focuses on the hunt for Osama bin Laden, parts of the film were shot in India to replicate Pakistani settings. The dusty streets of Chandigarh stood in for Abbottabad, bringing authenticity to this intense political thriller.
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke
Filming Locations: Chandigarh
5. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
This action-packed adventure brought Indiana Jones to the mystical land of India. Though controversial for its depiction of Indian culture, the film features striking visuals of Sri Lanka and North India. The lush greenery and elaborate temples added an exotic flair to Indy’s escapades.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Harrison Ford, Amrish Puri
Filming Locations: Kandy (Sri Lanka), North India
6. Life of Pi (2012)
Based on Yann Martel’s bestseller, Life of Pi is a visual marvel that showcases India’s natural and cultural beauty. Pondicherry’s colonial charm and Munnar’s lush landscapes create a magical backdrop for the film’s opening sequences, setting the stage for Pi’s extraordinary journey.
Director: The Lee
Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan
Filming Locations: Pondicherry, Munnar
7. The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)
This biographical drama follows the life of mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan and his journey from Madras to Cambridge. The film authentically recreates early 20th-century India, with stunning visuals of Tamil Nadu’s serene locales.
Director: Matt Brown
Starring: Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons
Filming Locations: Tamil Nadu, Chennai
8. A Passage to India (1984)
Based on E.M. Forster’s acclaimed novel, A Passage to India is a period drama set during the British Raj. The film captures India’s colonial past, with picturesque scenes shot in Gujarat and West Bengal, offering a glimpse into the country’s history and landscape.
Director: David Lean
Starring: Judy Davis, Victor Banerjee
Filming Locations: Gujarat, Kolkata
9. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
Ethan Hunt’s high-octane adventures brought him to Mumbai in this instalment of the Mission: Impossible series. The vibrant cityscape, including the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link and bustling markets, played a pivotal role in the film’s action-packed climax.
Director: Brad Bird
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner
Filming Locations: mumbai
10. Tenet (2020)
Christopher Nolan returned to India for Tenetusing Mumbai’s iconic skyline for some of the film’s jaw-dropping action sequences. The Gateway of India and Breach Candy Hospital served as key locations, blending seamlessly into Nolan’s mind-bending narrative.
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson
Filming Locations: Mumbai
For movie buffs, revisiting these films is a chance to explore the magic of India from the comfort of their homes. So, the next time you spot a vibrant Indian locale in a Hollywood blockbuster, remember: there’s a whole lot of reel and real magic behind it and not just VFX!
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