Lights, Camera, India! 10 Hollywood Hits That Found Their Stage in the Nation

India's diverse landscapes, from serene lakes to bustling city streets, have long captivated filmmakers worldwide. The nation's unique blend of charm, chaos, and cultural richness provides a compelling backdrop for stories of self-discovery, survival, and human connection. Over the decades, numerous Hollywood films have utilized Indian locations, showcasing the country's beauty to a global audience and boosting tourism to these iconic spots.

Let's explore some of these cinematic masterpieces filmed in India:

1. Octopussy (Udaipur, Rajasthan)

The 1983 James Bond film, Octopussy, starring Roger Moore, features extensive scenes shot in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The film prominently showcases the city's iconic landmarks, including the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, City Palace, and Monsoon Palace. Udaipur's majestic lakes, regal architecture, and vibrant culture perfectly complemented the spy thriller's setting.

2. The Darjeeling Limited (Rajasthan)

The Darjeeling Limited (2007), featuring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, was primarily filmed in India, with key scenes in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and on a train. The movie follows three brothers on a spiritual journey through India, seeking to mend their fractured relationships. Rajasthan's vibrant colors, desert landscapes, and historic architecture enhance the film's themes of loss, reconciliation, and self-discovery.

3. Eat, Pray, Love (Haryana, Uttar Pradesh)

Released in 2010, Eat, Pray, Love, starring Julia Roberts, features several tranquil Indian locations, including an ashram in Pataudi, Haryana. India represents the "pray" segment of the protagonist's journey, focusing on meditation, healing, and inner peace. The Ganges scenes were filmed in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.

4. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (Mumbai, Maharashtra)

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011), the fourth installment in the Tom Cruise franchise, includes a thrilling action sequence filmed on a high-rise building in Mumbai. The scene involves Ethan Hunt's team undertaking a mission with advanced technology and deception.

5. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (Rajasthan)

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), starring Judi Dench, Dev Patel, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith, was primarily filmed in Jaipur and Udaipur, Rajasthan. The movie captures the everyday life, drama, and magic in Rajasthan. The local culture, from colorful markets to majestic havelis, plays a significant role in the narrative.

6. Life of Pi (Puducherry, Kerala)

Life of Pi (2012), directed by Ang Lee and starring Suraj Sharma, features crucial scenes filmed in Puducherry and Kerala. Puducherry's vibrant streets, botanical gardens, and colonial architecture represent Pi's childhood home. Scenes at the zoo, school, and places of worship were captured in and around Puducherry, while Kerala's lush landscapes and backwaters provided additional scenic backdrops.

7. The Dark Knight Rises (Jodhpur, Rajasthan)

Starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, and Anne Hathaway, The Dark Knight Rises (2012) utilized the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, as the setting for the underground prison where Bruce Wayne is incarcerated. The fort's imposing walls, rugged textures, and medieval architecture complemented the film's dark tone.

8. Million Dollar Arm (Mumbai, Lucknow, Agra)

Million Dollar Arm (2014), a Disney biographical sports drama, chronicles an American baseball scout's journey to India to find talented cricket players and convert them into baseball pitchers. Filming took place at Mumbai’s Jamboree Maidan, Lucknow University, and near the Taj Mahal in Agra, providing a culturally rich backdrop.

9. Tenet (Mumbai)

Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Elizabeth Debicki, Tenet (2020) features scenes shot in Mumbai. A key action sequence occurs atop a high-rise building in Mumbai’s business district. The city’s modern skyline and intense energy added a sleek, urban feel to the film’s complex narrative.

10. Extraction (Ahmedabad and Mumbai)

Extraction (2020), starring Chris Hemsworth, is an action thriller with scenes filmed in Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Ahmedabad's crowded streets and intricate alleys were used for high-tension chase sequences, while Mumbai provided fast-paced cityscapes, both contributing to the film's raw and gritty atmosphere.