Top Hollywood Movies That Were Shot in India

India’s vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and architectural marvels have often drawn filmmakers from around the world. From bustling city streets to serene backwaters, Hollywood has found the perfect backdrop here to tell stories spanning drama, romance, and action. Let’s take a cinematic journey through some of the most memorable Hollywood movies filmed in India.

1. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Director: Wes Anderson

Filming Locations: Jodhpur, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Wes Anderson’s quirky comedy-drama follows three brothers traveling across India on a train. Rajasthan’s colorful bazaars, palaces, and desert landscapes became characters in their own right, adding depth to the film’s emotional and visual palette.

2. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Director: Danny Boyle

Filming Locations: Mumbai

Though directed by a British filmmaker, this Oscar-winning film is steeped in Mumbai’s chaos and charm. From the Dharavi slums to the vibrant train stations, the city’s raw energy gave authenticity to Jamal’s rags-to-riches journey.

3. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

Director: John Madden

Filming Locations: Jaipur, Udaipur, Rajasthan

This heartwarming drama-comedy about British retirees relocating to India showcased the pink hues of Jaipur and the lakeside beauty of Udaipur. The film’s visuals played a big role in making Rajasthan seem like a dream retirement destination.

4. Eat Pray Love (2010)

Director: Ryan Murphy

Filming Locations: Pataudi, Haryana, and Ashrams in North India

Julia Roberts’ quest for self-discovery took her from Italy to India, where meditation scenes were filmed in serene ashrams. The tranquil Indian countryside and spiritual ambiance contrasted beautifully with the other segments of her journey.

5. Life of Pi (2012)

Director: Ang Lee

Filming Locations: Puducherry, Kerala

Before setting sail into the ocean, Pi’s life in Puducherry was brought to life with colorful French colonial architecture, temples, and bustling markets. Kerala’s backwaters also made a brief but stunning appearance.

6. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)

Director: Brad Bird

Filming Locations: Mumbai

Tom Cruise brought high-octane action to Mumbai’s streets, with dramatic chase sequences weaving through the city’s traffic. The blend of modern skyscrapers and old-world lanes gave the action scenes a unique texture.

7. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Filming Locations: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

In the epic conclusion to Nolan’s Batman trilogy, the opening prison scenes were filmed at the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. The rugged architecture perfectly matched the movie’s intense, foreboding tone.

8. A Passage to India (1984)

Director: David Lean

Filming Locations: Bangalore, Savandurga, Ramanagara, and Kashmir

This adaptation of E.M. Forster’s classic novel explored British-Indian relations during the colonial era, using India’s natural beauty and heritage sites to recreate the 1920s setting with breathtaking authenticity.

9. The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)

Director: Matthew Brown

Filming Locations: Chennai, Kumbakonam

Based on the life of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, the film recreated early 20th-century India, showcasing traditional Tamil Nadu landscapes, temples, and colonial-era architecture.

10. Lion (2016)

Director: Garth Davis

Filming Locations: Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh

This emotional true story of a boy lost in India featured Kolkata’s bustling Howrah Bridge, crowded trains, and rural Madhya Pradesh, contrasting with the film’s later Australian sequences.

Why India Attracts Hollywood

• Diverse Landscapes: From deserts to beaches, mountains to metropolises.

• Architectural Heritage: Centuries-old forts, palaces, and temples add grandeur.

• Cultural Richness: Colors, traditions, and festivals bring scenes alive.

• Skilled Local Crews: India’s film industry provides world-class technicians and resources.

Final Take

India’s cinematic allure goes far beyond its own thriving Bollywood industry. For Hollywood, the country offers not just stunning visuals but also an authentic atmosphere that no studio set can replicate. The next time you watch a blockbuster, keep an eye out—you might just spot a slice of India on screen.