Shooting at heritage sites adds a certain richness to the project: Filmmakers

Right from this year’s Bollywood hit Satyaprem Ki Katha to Chris Hemsworth-starrer Hollywood flick Extraction (2020) and numerous other Hindi and Gujarati films, these destinations have added to their visual appeal.

‘Showcasing heritage on screen adds to a film’s visual appeal’

Filmmaker Rahul Bhole feels that shooting at these locations “greatly enhances a film’s visual appeal”. He says, “While filming Reva, we shot at temples in Sabarkantha that are centuries old. Initially, we had to face a bit of difficulty in getting permissions but eventually, it was worth it.”

Prosenjit Chatterjee, who had shot for a Hindi film at Darbargadh, a large haveli in Bhadarwa, in 2016, had told us, “I just loved the view from the terrace of Darbargadh. It was a delight to shoot at this haveli; such locations act like a prominent character and add a lot of value to the film.”

‘Getting permissions is easy and people in Gujarat are very co-operative’

Filmmaker Indra Kumar, who had shot Grand Masti in Vadodara, had told us, “In Gujarat, getting permission to shoot at heritage sites is easy. Every time I have shot in Gujarat, it has been a pleasant experience because both the authorities and the locals go out of their way to help.”

“While shooting at Teen Darwaza for 2 States, a huge crowd had gathered to watch us, and we had to almost stop shooting. Exploring Ahmedabad’s lovely locations was great fun and those memories will always remain special. Shooting at IIM Ahmedabad was a peaceful and enriching experience.”

-Arjun Kapoor during an earlier interview

“The pol houses are an integral part of Gujarati culture and when you shoot there, it adds a certain richness to the project. You can’t recreate that essence anywhere else.”

- Tapan Vyas, filmmaker

Box: Some big B-Town films shot in Gujarat’s heritage sites and Ahmedabad

1. Satyaprem Ki Katha(2023, Sabarmati Riverfront and Laxmi Vilas Palace)

2. Raees (2017, Adalaj Ni Vav)

3. Ok Jaanu(2017, Jama Masjid)

4. Mohenjo Daro(2016, Dholavira)

5. Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo (2015, Gondal)

6. 2 States (2014, IIM Ahmedabad, Kalupur Railway Station)

7. D- Day (2013, Ahmedabad)

8. Kai Po Che (2013, Ellisbridge)

9. Grand Masti (2013, Laxmi Vilas Palace)

10. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999, Vijay Vilas Palace, Kutch)