Hollywood Films Shot in India

Hollywood Films Shot in India
Hollywood movies which had scenes filmed in India
Hollywood Films Shot in India
Hollywood movies which had scenes filmed in India

What has become more prominent than the story in a film? The locales – exotic and exquisite. The need to have a foreign location has become so pivotal that sometimes the makers shoot the entire film abroad, at times just for the sake of it.

Likewise, there are so many Hollywood production houses who chose to shoot in India since it is exotic to them. However, the only difference is, their stories are often apt to be filmed in India.

Here is a list of such films which are partly or wholly shot in India which has been critically acclaimed and gave us a little moment of gratification as well.

1. The Namesake (2007)

The Namesake
The Namesake

The Namesake is based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s 2003 novel ‘The Namesake’, directed by Mira Nair, the Indian born director. The film shows the relationship of a teenage son with his elder parents and the struggle of the East Indian born (Bengalis) in the United States (US). The film is partly shot in New York and partly in India (West Bengal and a few shots are taken in Agra) and all the locations fit perfectly in the storyline.

2. A Mighty Heart (2007)

A Mighty Heart
A Mighty Heart

Directed by Michael Winterbottom and produced by Brad Pitt, ‘A Mighty Heart’ is an adaptation of Mariane Pearl’s memoir starring Angelina Jolie. This is a story of the rescue of a Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002. The film is shot in parts of India and Pakistan, where Jolie will be seen walking some landmark locations such as Gateway of India.

3. Eat Pray & Love (2010)

Eat Pray & Love
Eat Pray & Love

Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 memoir of the same name, ‘Eat Pray & Love’ is a drama on inner journey starring Julia Roberts. The film is shot in the US, India and Bali. The scenes of India are shot in Hari Mandir Ashram near Delhi and Pataudi Palace, Haryana.

4. Life of Pi (2012)

Life of Pi
Life of Pi

Another adaptation by Yann Martel’s surviving drama ‘Life of Pi’, where a boy named Pi sustains a shipwreck and shares a lifeboat with a Royal Bengal tiger. Emerged as a critical as well as commercial success, this film is shot at various places in India including Puducherry and Kerala.

5. Jobs (2013)

Jobs
Jobs

A biographical drama based on the life of Steve Jobs, played by Ashton Kutcher has some scenes shot in India such as in Delhi and Vrindavan, marking the time when Apple founder visited India. In the film, you will get a glimpse of Hauz Khaz complex, Chandni Chowk and some parts of Vridavan as well.

6. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

A British comedy-drama, ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ starring Judi Dench showcases the diverse colours of Jaipur as it is shot extensively in places of Jaipur and Udaipur such as Ravla Khempur Palace, a flower market of Jaipur, a Stepwell, Kanota Fort, Lake Palace and Royal Garden in Kishangarh, Jaipur.