With the scenic valleys of Switzerland and the sunny shores of the Mediterranean being a part of Bollywood cinema since decades now, looks as if filmmakers nowadays are busy scouting for newer locales.
Thanks to its vastness of landscape, architectural heritage and breathtaking scenery in addition to its relatively cheaper production costs, Turkey is becoming Bollywood’s most favoured outdoor location.
Two of the most costly films this year – Salman Khan’s spy thriller and Abbas-Mustan’s next – has been shot extensively in Turkey. In fact, even a slew of regional films are being shot on this Eurasian country.
To top it all, even Indian authorities have expressed an interest in holding the IIFA ceremony there within the coming years. Listed below are a few films that experience managed to capture the quintessential Turkey at its best...
Guru (2007) This Mani Ratnam film was actually shot at Turkish venues with the local government’s assistance when Abhishek Bachchan’s character goes to Turkey to become a spice trader. Interestingly, Mallika Sherawat’s item number within the film was shot in Istanbul.
Vaada Raha (2008) While this Samir Karnik film starring Bobby Deol and Kangana Ranaut barely made a legitimate on the box office, some a part of it was shot in Ephesus. Moreover, the songs of the film were alleged to be shot at Manila but as a result of bad weather, they decided to visit Mauritius but eventually settled for Turkey.
Mission Istaanbul (2008) As the name suggests, an incredible a part of this action film was filmed within the capital city. What’s intriguing is that just about every Turk in this film was speaking Hindi fluently as though it was their national language!
Ajab Prem ki Gajab Kahani (2009) Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif’s chemistry was evident within the songs of the film. No wonder it gave rise to rumours of a secret affair. The track Tera Hone Laga Hoon was shot in Istanbul and Tu Jaane Na was separately shot in Aspendos, Perga and Pamukkale.
Game (2011) Co-produced by Farhan Akhtar and directed by Abhinay Deo, this multi-starrer thriller had Abhishek Bachchan playing a casino owner in Turkey. Some chunks of the film were shot there. Abhinay explains why, “Istanbul may be very shooting-friendly. Plus, it’s cheaper than other European cities. And importantly, it provides a singular character to the screen.”
Tell Me O Kkhuda (2011) Hema Malini directed this drama and cast her entire acting family in it. The film was shot extensively in Turkey or even saw Turkish star Meltem Cumbul make a guest appearance together with Salman Khan.
Best of both the worlds Spokesperson of Yash Chopra’s production house, Aashish Singh sums up, “The diversity in climate offers the opportunity of enjoying all four seasons through the same period throughout the country.
Also, you'll shoot on a beach in addition to within the snow by just travelling for approximately two hours. Turkey has the very best mixture of two continents, Europe and Asia, both in its look, the culture and the people.”
Courtesy: Mid-Day.com
