Lights, Camera, India! 10 Hollywood Blockbusters Filmed on Location in India

India's diverse landscapes, rich culture, and historical sites have long captivated filmmakers worldwide. From bustling city streets to serene palaces, India provides a unique backdrop for stories of self-discovery, adventure, and connection. Over the decades, numerous Hollywood productions have chosen India as their filming location, showcasing the country's beauty to a global audience and boosting tourism to these iconic spots.

Octopussy (Udaipur, Rajasthan)

The 1983 James Bond film, Octopussy, starring Roger Moore, prominently features the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan. Key scenes were filmed at landmarks like the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, City Palace, and Monsoon Palace. The city's majestic lakes, regal architecture, and vibrant culture served as the perfect setting for this spy thriller.

The Darjeeling Limited (Rajasthan)

Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited (2007), starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, was primarily filmed in India, with significant scenes shot on a train and in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The film follows three brothers on a spiritual journey across India, seeking to mend their fractured relationships. The vibrant colors of Rajasthan, its desert landscapes, and historical buildings amplify the movie's themes of loss, reconciliation, and self-discovery.

Eat, Pray, Love (Haryana, Uttar Pradesh)

In Eat, Pray, Love (2010), starring Julia Roberts, several peaceful Indian locations, including an ashram in Pataudi, Haryana, served as filming locations. India represents the "pray" section of the protagonist's journey, focusing on meditation, healing, and inner peace. The Ganges scenes were filmed in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (Mumbai, Maharashtra)

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011), the fourth installment of the Tom Cruise franchise, features a thrilling action sequence shot on a high-rise building in Mumbai. This scene showcases Ethan Hunt's team executing a mission involving elaborate deception and cutting-edge technology.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (Rajasthan)

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), featuring Judi Dench, Dev Patel, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith, was mainly filmed in Jaipur and Udaipur, Rajasthan. The film captures the essence of daily life in Rajasthan, from colorful markets to majestic havelis, with the local culture playing a central role in the narrative.

Life of PI (Puducherry, Kerala)

Life of Pi (2012), directed by Ang Lee and starring Suraj Sharma, includes key scenes filmed in Puducherry and Kerala. The colorful streets, botanical gardens, and colonial buildings of Puducherry depict Pi's childhood home. Scenes at the zoo, school, and places of worship were filmed in and around Puducherry, while the lush greenery and backwaters were captured in Kerala.

The Dark Knight Rises (Jodhpur, Rajasthan)

Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises (2012), starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, and Anne Hathaway, features scenes shot at the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The fort served as the backdrop for the underground prison where Bruce Wayne (Batman) is incarcerated. The fort's imposing walls and medieval architecture complemented the dark tone of the film.

Million Dollar Arm (Mumbai, Lucknow, Agra)

Million Dollar Arm (2014), a Disney biographical sports drama, tells the story of an American baseball scout who travels to India to find talented cricket players and convert them into baseball pitchers. Filming took place at Jamboree Maidan in Mumbai, Lucknow University, and near the Taj Mahal in Agra, providing a rich cultural backdrop.

Tenet (Mumbai)

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

Extraction (Ahmedabad and Mumbai)

Extraction (2020), starring Chris Hemsworth, is an action thriller with scenes shot in Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The crowded streets and complex alleys of Ahmedabad were used to recreate high-tension chase sequences, while Mumbai provided fast-paced cityscapes, adding to the raw, gritty feel of the film.