Lights, Camera, India! Iconic Hollywood Films That Found Their Epic Backdrops in India

India's diverse landscapes, from serene lakes to majestic palaces and bustling city streets, have long captivated filmmakers worldwide. The country's unique charm and vibrant culture have served as the backdrop for numerous international productions, adding depth and authenticity to their stories. Several Hollywood blockbusters have chosen India as their filming location, which has significantly boosted the popularity of these spots on a global scale, attracting tourists and movie enthusiasts alike.

Here's a look at some iconic films that have been shot in India:

Octopussy (Udaipur, Rajasthan)

The 1983 James Bond film, Octopussy, starring Roger Moore, features extensive scenes shot in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The film showcases iconic locations such as the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, City Palace, and Monsoon Palace. Udaipur's stunning lakes, regal architecture, and rich cultural heritage provided an ideal backdrop for this thrilling spy adventure.

The Darjeeling Limited (Rajasthan)

The Darjeeling Limited (2007), starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, was filmed primarily in India, with key scenes shot on a train and in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The film follows three brothers on a spiritual journey across India by train, as they attempt to mend their fractured relationships. The vibrant colors, desert landscapes, and historical landmarks of Rajasthan enhance the film's themes of loss, reconciliation, and self-discovery.

Eat, Pray, Love (Haryana, Uttar Pradesh)

Released in 2010, Eat, Pray, Love, starring Julia Roberts, was filmed in several peaceful locations in India, including an ashram in Pataudi, Haryana. India represents the "pray" segment of the main character's journey, emphasizing meditation, healing, and inner peace. Scenes depicting the Ganges River were filmed in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (Mumbai, Maharashtra)

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, the fourth installment in the Tom Cruise-led series, features a thrilling action sequence filmed on a high-rise building in Mumbai. This scene showcases Ethan Hunt's team executing a mission involving deception and advanced technology.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (Rajasthan)

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), featuring Judi Dench, Dev Patel, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith, was primarily filmed in Jaipur and Udaipur, Rajasthan. The film captures the everyday drama and magic of life in Rajasthan. From vibrant market streets to magnificent heritage havelis, the local culture plays a central role in the narrative, adding warmth and humor to the story.

Life of Pi (Puducherry, Kerala)

Ang Lee's Life of Pi (2012) includes significant scenes filmed in Puducherry and Kerala. The colorful streets, botanical gardens, and colonial architecture of Puducherry represent Pi's childhood home. Scenes at the zoo, school, and places of worship were filmed in and around Puducherry. The lush landscapes and backwaters of Kerala were used for other pivotal scenes.

The Dark Knight Rises (Jodhpur, Rajasthan)

Starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, and Anne Hathaway, The Dark Knight Rises (2012) filmed crucial scenes at the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The fort served as the setting for the underground prison where Bruce Wayne (Batman) is held. Its imposing walls, rugged textures, and medieval architecture perfectly complemented the film's dark atmosphere, enhancing the dramatic transformation in Christopher Nolan's Batman saga.

Million Dollar Arm (Mumbai, Lucknow, Agra)

Million Dollar Arm (2014), a biographical sports drama from Disney, follows the journey of an American baseball scout who travels to India in search of cricket players to convert into Major League Baseball pitchers. Major filming locations included Mumbai's Jamboree Maidan, where reality-show competitions took place, and Lucknow University, where players were scouted. Iconic scenes near the Taj Mahal in Agra provide a rich cultural backdrop.

Tenet (Mumbai)

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Tenet (2020), starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Elizabeth Debicki, includes scenes filmed in Mumbai. A key action sequence occurs atop a high-rise building in Mumbai's business district. The city’s modern skyline and dynamic energy offer a sleek, urban setting for the film’s complex narrative, adding a fast-paced, international dimension to the unique storyline.

Extraction (Ahmedabad and Mumbai)

Extraction (2020), starring Chris Hemsworth, is an action thriller with intense scenes shot in Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The crowded streets and intricate alleys of Ahmedabad were used to recreate high-tension chase sequences, while Mumbai offered fast-paced cityscapes. Both locations contributed to the film's raw, gritty feel, grounding its action-packed story in a realistic Indian environment.