More and more Bollywood filmmakers are choosing to set their stories within the city of eternal romance
She's romantic. She's fashionable. At times, she's even brutal. But nevertheless, she is the very best palette for a filmmaker to attract from. The town of Paris has lured many storytellers to weave tales of heartbreaks, struggles, triumphs and even sheer tattle round her.
And now, Bollywood is falling for her too. 45 years ago when Shammi and Sharmila walked hand in hand during the lanes of Champs Elysees in An Evening in Paris, it probably was an indication.
But it's now that filmmakers are acknowledging the nature this lovely city adds to their idea of entertainment. From the new London Paris New York, to upcoming films like Paradise Street, Love in Paris and Chemistry, each of them tries to define the town of Paris of their own way.
Paris gets personal Many actors who recommend the town of romance as a shoot location share an individual relationship with Paris. Like Ameesha Patel, who decided to set her first home production in Paris.
She says, "For me Paris is the epitome of romance, It is a city where dreams come true. It's majestic, yet not daunting. In our films we take the viewer right into a world they haven't experienced before and what better city than Paris for it."
Adds Kareena Kapoor, "If I had my way I MIGHT shoot all my films in either Paris or London because I LIKE both the cities."
Shooting in Paris Says producer Goldie Behl who believes that it's one of the most toughest cities to shoot in, "Though I'VE seen Paris in films and photographs, I DIDN'T realise it'd be so alien to me after I went there to shoot my film (London Paris New York).
It is by far essentially the most beautiful city I'VE shot in, but Paris has some way of toughening up. The local regulations for film shoots are still old-fashioned and also you wish to work around their rigid ways. But having said that, it's the most creatively friendly space you'll be able to ever dream of."
The art and culture that adorns every little street corner of Paris adds to the vision of the filmmakers like few other cities can. Adds Goldie, "We were shooting on the Montmarte in Paris and it was any such delight to peer all of the musicians and artists there involving themselves in our shoot. It made the sequences look natural and full of life."
Budgets for Paris Those who choose the French capital because the backdrop to their stories, also realise that shooting in Paris comes with a value. The town by far is the costliest places to shoot in.
So much in order that we hear director Sanjay Ghadvi who was to shoot a movie called 7 days in Paris with Imran Khan, shelved it for the reason that budgets were going overboard.
Says director Prem Soni who was shooting Ishq in Paris with Preity Zinta, "For my film, it was always Paris or nothing else. I COULD NOT locate this love story anywhere but this city.
I started writing the script two years ago, from the beginning I'VE visualised the love blossoming here, " says the director who spent his earlier years in Spain.
Did ? Every year, greater than 1,000 film shoots happen in additional than 4,000 outdoor locations in Paris.
Everlasting tango in Paris Amelie (2001): This much-acclaimed French movie was the very best tour guide as Paris played an integral role within the movie. And the way!
Before Sunset (2004): Though its prequel was largely shot in Vienna, the sequel eventually needed to travel to the French capital for the required climax.
Inception (2010): Actress Marion Cotillard wasn't the one thing Parisian on this movie. Some pivotal shots happened within the city itself including the now famous 'Paris folding' scene.
Midnight in Paris (2011): Director Woody Allen's love letter to the town he dearly loves.
Hugo (2011): It marked filmmaker Martin Scorsese's debut in 3D and relies in a Paris railway station.
Courtesy: Mid-Day.com
