AHMEDABAD:
The trend that started with Aamir Khan's 'Lagan' continues with Sanjay
Leela Bhansali's 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela'. Gujarat, especially
Kutch and its vast vistas, has become a favourite haunt for many
Bollywood filmmakers. There have been over a dozen films, including
Bollywood flicks and ad movies from Mumbai, shot in Gujarat in the past
two years.
"Barring snow capped mountains of Himalayas, Gujarat
has everything - from thick green forest to semi-arid meadows, desert
landscape, mountains and coastal beauty. There are so many unexplored
places that can give a splendid delight to the viewers when shot," said
veteran Bollywood cinematographer Amitabha Singh.
Amitabha, who
produced 'The Good Road', the movie that went to the Oscars last year,
shot his directorial debut 'The trip' in the forest of Dang and Sara in
Valsad in October 2013 and January 2014. "'The Trip' is a working title
of my film which stars Jimmy Shergil in the lead. My relationship with
Gujarat started with 'The Good Road', for which I've also done
cinematography. During its pre-production, I had the chance to travel
the length and breadth of Gujarat. Apart from beautiful landscape, I
think, things which attract the movie makers the most is a hassle-free
environment. The government is very cooperative and prompt in granting
permissions. Also, people are very helpful. During the stressful
shooting schedules, not once did I lose a minute due to inconvenience
cause by the people," he said. Echoed Johnny Baweja, co-producer and
lead actor of an English film, 'Swen', which was shot extensively in
Kutch in 2011. "Prompt permission by the government for shooting was a
pleasant surprise for me when I came here with my unit. Inspired by
visuals shown in 'Lagan', we decided to explore Kutch and shot in Bhuj.
People's support was great. The environment was very vibrant," Baweja
said.
Ahmedabad: The unexplored locations of Gujarat are the
main draw for Bollywood filmmakers, believes Jitendra Chauhan, a line
producer. Chauhan has worked with several Hindi filmmakers as well as ad
filmmakers from Mumbai.
"Locations in Mumbai, Delhi and
Rajasthan are now overexposed. Filmmakers are always in search of new
locations and Gujarat has so many locations to offer that it will take
eight to 10 years for the filmmakers to reach the interesting corners of
the state," he said.
"Crack land in Little Rann of Kutch is
different from the one near Jaipur in Rajashtan. The crack land here
caused by summer heat is visually more exotic. So, whenever you travel
to the Rann, chances are that you might bump into one or other film unit
camping there," said Chauhan.
In Kutch, there are several
communities like Jat, Mutwa, Rabari, Medhwal who wear completely
different designs of costumes and jewellery made of ivory which are a
visual delight for any one with a camera.
In addition, temples
and palaces preserved by Archeological Survey of India are another
attraction. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,' was shot
in Mandvi Palace; Tigmanshu Dhulia's 'Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster', was shot
in Devgadh Baria Palace; and Indra Kumar's 'Grand Masti' was shot in
Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara. That apart, a portion of 'Kai Po Chhe'
was shot in Diu fort, said Chauhan.
Gujarat is the only state
in the country offering such biodiversity, says filmmaker Vijay K Patel.
"It has the longest coastline, and Gir, Dang and Polo forests.
Moreover, it boasts of having the world's only white desert. The
cultural diversity is even more attractive. The sand found here is
different and looks exotic on screen," said Patel, who has made Gujarati
film 'Canvas'.
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