India has perpetually captivated the Western world, a fascination evident in the growing number of Hollywood films being filmed within its borders. This trend has led to an expansion in Hollywood's market presence in India, contributing approximately 10-12% to the overall box-office revenue. Let's delve into some noteworthy Hollywood productions that chose India as their filming location:
# The Bourne SupremacyThe allure of Goa attracted prominent Hollywood figures, as evidenced by the opening sequence of The Bourne Supremacy. Filmmaker Paul Greengrass chose to capture the beauty of the narrow lanes of a Goan town rather than presenting a strictly realistic portrayal. The film, a sequel to the 2002 hit The Bourne Identity, depicts Jason Bourne and his girlfriend residing in Goa after the events of the first film, showcasing a high-adrenaline chase through the picturesque lanes.
# Eat Pray LoveSeveral scenes in the Julia Roberts-starrer Eat Pray Love were filmed in Pataudi and Delhi. Julia Roberts portrayed Elizabeth Gilbert, a divorced woman on a global journey of self-discovery. The film, shot at Hari Mandir Ashram in Gurgaon and Mirzapur village near Pataudi Palace, not only contributed to the film industry but also served as a promotional tool for tourism in India, particularly for women.
# A Mighty Heart
Directed by Michael Winterbottom, A Mighty Heart revolves around the search for kidnapped Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002. Filming began outside a private bungalow in the Sindhi Colony, recreating the look of Karachi Street where Daniel Pearl resided. Mumbai and Pune stood in for Karachi in the film due to permission issues for shooting in Pakistan
# Mission Impossible 4 - Ghost ProtocolA substantial portion of Mission Impossible 4 - Ghost Protocol was shot in South Mumbai, featuring Tom Cruise and marking Anil Kapoor's Hollywood debut. The film showcased a specially designed BMW SS01 navigating the lanes of Bora Bazaar, opposite the Mumbai railway station. Additional sequences were also filmed in Bangalore.
# The Dark Knight RisesA pivotal sequence in The Dark Knight Rises was filmed at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Director Christopher Nolan, enamored by the beauty of Jodhpur, chose the location during his exploration of potential shooting sites in India.
# SingularityAn adventure film based on the Anglo-Maratha war, Singularity extensively filmed in Gwalior, Chambal, and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior, known for attractions like Gwalior Fort and Suraj Kund, along with Orchha, renowned for its 16th and 17th-century temples and palaces, provided a rich backdrop for the movie's historical narrative.