Howrah is not untouched by the glitzy world of film making. Even since its heydays, the city has gifted many inimitable talents to Bollywood industry. The trend continues till date. From classic to contemporary, cinema has been bequeathed with finesse of Bengali lifestyle and culture over the years.
In the recent times, the city of joy has again splurged into Bollywood with ace film makers and actors heading towards its direction. The Victorian architecture and serene beauty of this city is alluring and justifying to the plots of many films, most of which are period dramas.
From storyline to cast, crew, and shooting, Howrah and Kolkata are making their mark felt of lately. So, if you think that Kolkata Knight Riders, the IPL team owned by Shahrukh Khan is the only significant connection of Bollywood and Howrah, think again. The city has lot more to offer with latest flicks being shot extensively across the city and its landmarks.
Some of the most famous movies shot in Howrah are:
Devdas (2002)
Based on the famous novel of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyaya, Shahrukh Khan Starrer Devdas is the newest film in the series of its cinematic adaptations. The film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali was a mega blockbuster with many prominent awards under its belt.
The female leads of this film portrayed the beautiful Bengali women and typical Zamindaar culture of that era. Some parts of movie were shot in Howrah while for others; a massive set was created in Dharavi Mumbai itself.
Yuva (2004)
This multi starrer film was based on Howrah and
political scenario engulfing it. The famous Howrah Bridge was the most
crucial part of this film.
The climax was shot on it and portrayed how
life deliberately changed for all three main leads from there itself.
The film may not have excelled brilliantly at box office but the role of
Howrah and Howrah Bridge was impeccable in it.
Parineeta (2005)
The movie, based on a novel by noted Bengali
writer Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, was shot in North Kolkata. It
displayed the quaint beauty of Howrah in its yesteryears through Ganges
and iconic Howrah Bridge.
The film had huge star cast including Sanjay
Dutt. It earned great reviews for beautiful cinematography and perfect
display of high street lifestyle of this city.
Love Aaj Kal (2009)
This romantic comedy starring Saif Ali Khan
and Deepika Padukone was a major hit in 2009. It was shot in many
locations including Kolkata. The city showed very aesthetic transition
from laid back trams of Howrah to modern lifestyle of San Francisco.
This depiction was received well by the critics. Only small parts of
film featuring Saif and Giselle were shot in Howrah but they were quite
significant to the storyline and film’s success.
Barfi (2012)
This film from director Anurag Basu was set in 1970s and depicted Howrah during that time. The famous chase scene where Ranbir Kapoor was chased by Policemen was shot in the by lanes of Howrah. The film was a major box office success. It was also shot prominently in Darjeeling, the city from where this romantic-drama began.
Kahaani (2012)
This Vidya Balan starrer surely encapsulated
Howrah like never before. The film was a nerve wrecking thriller and it
was extensively shot in South Kolkata localities. Nothing was done
overboard to exhibit the beauty of city in particular. Yet this movie
caught with the real pulse of laid back Howrah.
Vicky Donor (2012)
2012 seems to be the best year for Howrah’s Bollywood connection. Many blockbusters in this particular year were shot in the city and Vicky Donor was one of them.
The film did not have huge star cast or any other Bollywood hit formula. Still, it was critically acclaimed for great performances and its unusual storyline. Some important scenes with male Ayushman Khurana and female lead, Yami Gautam were shot in Kolkata.
Lootera (2013)
This film was a period drama with elements of romance. The film had many important scenes shot in parts of Howrah and nearby areas. The film was based on a storyline featuring Bengali landlords and their lives during era of 1950s.
It was critically praised for tasteful depiction of costumes, locations, and lifestyle of that time in West Bengal. Apart from Howrah, the film was shot in Darjeeling, Purulia, and some rural areas of Bengal.
Bullet Raja (2013)
Though the film was based on mafia from Uttar Pradesh, many significant scenes were shot in Howrah. The film directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia had Saif Ali Khan and Sonakshi Sinha in main lead.
When storyline enters Howrah with main characters moving to this city, production also moves there. The filming took part in areas like Kumartuli, Laha Bari, Dalhousie in Howrah, as well as flower market and Princep Ghat.
Gunday (2014)
This was again a film based on 1970s Howrah. It
had Arjun Kapoor, Ranvir Singh, and Priyanka Chopra in main lead. This
action thriller was shot in Howrah with a very long schedule.
For one of
the song sequences based on Durga Puja, a huge set was created under
Howrah Bridge by local artists. This set was grand and showed Durga Puja
of 1980s. Many scenes were also shot in coalfields nearby Howrah.
Detective Byomkesh Bakshy (2015)
This crime thriller based on fictional character of Detective Byomkesh Bakshy was shot in many parts of Howrah.
The film was based in the timeline of 1940s with a very captivating and thrilling storyline. It was shot with lead actor Sushant Singh Rajput in areas of North Kolkata including Agarpara, Lal Bazaar, Coffee House, Bow Barracks, and Presidency University.
Piku (Slated in May 2015)
This yet to be released film has legendary Amitabh Bachchan playing a pivotal role of 70 years old father to young architect Piku played by Deepika Padukone. The plot of movie is based on a road trip from Delhi to Howrah and returning of both characters to their roots in latter city.
The scenes from Piku were shot in Northern areas of Kolkata and Howrah Bridge. Bishop Lefroy Road, Shyam Bazaar, and other nearby areas are central to the storyline. For a sequence of film, Amitabh was seen cycling near Howrah Bridge on the streets of old and charming Howrah.
These are some of the movies that were shot in the iconic city of Howrah. They represent the culture of this city along with its contemporariness and old worldly charms.