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Top famous Bollywood movies that captures the essence of Kolkata

‘The City of Joy’, ‘Cultural Capital of India’, ‘City of Palaces’, ‘City of Processions’ are some of the nicknames Kolkata has earned for itself throughout the years. 

This colorful city known for its scenic splendour, rich culture, mouth-watering sweets, fun loving people, plethora of tourist attractions, exudes a magical aura that is beyond comprehension. 

Its artistic ancient charm with a dash of modern flavour has caught the fancy of the Bollywood filmmakers, who are increasingly considering Kolkata to be an ideal backdrop for their movies.

Here is a glimpse into some of the famous Bollywood movies that have managed to capture the quintessential beauty of this city.

Kahaani - A Crime Thriller

Kahaani movie shoot in Kolkata

True to the song, ‘Dil ka bazaar hai, thoda bizzare hai, Kolkata dekho toh baki duniya bekaar hai…’, this thriller movie starring Vidya Balan is considered to be one of those portraying the best of Kolkata till date. 

Shot in the streets of Kolkata and various other locations including Victoria Memorial, old houses of North Kolkata, Nonapukur tram depot, Kumartuli, Howrah Bridge, Vidya Sagar Setu, Kalighat Metro Station and others, this movie beautifully depicts various layers of the city. 

Apart from the rugged charm of this city, the Durga Puja celebrations, forming an essential part of the movie reflect the quintessential culture and lifestyle of the people in Kolkata, bringing alive the unique character of the city on screen, leaving the audience mesmerised.

Parineeta - Musical Hit

Bollywood movie shoot in Kolkata

A beautiful musical film adaptation of the Bengali novel, Parineeta, this movie starring Vidya Balan, is set in the 20th century Kolkata during the Bengal Renaissance. It is considered to be a lovely tribute to the lively city. 

Shot over a wide variety of locations like Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Prinsep Ghat, St John’s Church, Bali Rajbari house at Belgachhia, these beautiful spots add to the aesthetic appeal of the movie.

The trams, famous Dhuni dance, Durga Puja celebrations, the high profile Park Street life in Moulin Rouge, shown in the movie managed to recreate the 60’s era successfully and struck the right chord with the audience.

Barfi! - Romantic Comedy

Barfi movie in Kolkata

This award winning romantic comedy movie starring Ranbir Kapoor, beautifully portrays Kolkata in the 70’s era. Shot in portions of North Kolkata, this movie manages to capture not only the beauty of this city, but also the lifestyle of the people in Kolkata in those days. 

The scenes involving Ranbir Kapoor cycling along the rusty lanes of Dorji Para, the beauty of Esplanade and Phool Ghat have served as ideal backdrops for the movie, thus winning it several accolades.

Love Aaj Kal - Love Story of Two Generations

Bollywood in Kolkata

This love story spanning two generations, starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone was partly shot in Kolkata. The flash back portions, shot in Kolkata managed to capture the quirkiness of the city along with its scenic beauty.

The signature trams and the Howrah Bridge capture the essence of Kolkata in the most natural way. The contrast between the Howrah Bride and Golden Gate and that between the Kolkata trams and those in San Fransisco add to the charm of this movie.

Gunday - Crime Thriller

Hindi movie shoot in Kolkata

A crime thriller with Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles, this movie is shot in various real locations in Kolkata. Shot in locations like Daksineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata High Court and other places, the movie manages to recreate the look and feel of Kolkata in the 70’s. 

The grand Durga Puja celebration song sequence under the Howrah Bridge is realistic and is a major highlight of the movie.

Lootera - An Unusual Love Story

Lootera movie shoot in Kolkata

Labelled to be an unusual love story, Lootera, adapted from O. Henry's The Last Leaf starring Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha has managed to capture the essence of the 50’s Kolkata. 

Shot in idyllic locations in and near Kolkata, like the Mocambo, royal palace of Khandan, and Purulia, this movie with lush green forests and scenic spots as its backdrop provides a visual treat to the audience. Other movies Shooted in Kolkata are the Namesake, Detective Byomkyesh Bakshi.

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