HOLLY-BOLLY-TOLLY- SHOOTING LOCATIONS by Aranya Bhattacharyya

Famous shooting locations

Hollywood 

Mentmore Towers-Batman Begins

Mentmore Towers. Source: Travel Triangle

This 19th century country house served as the base of operations for our caped protagonist himself, Master Bruce Wayne more commonly known as Batman. This manor was used as the filing location of Wayne manor, the family residence of the Wayne family. The location is extremely popular due to Christopher Nolan’s film, Batman begins. The movie starred Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne and Batman himself. 
This manor is located in the village of Mentmore of Buckinghamshire and was built for a Royal family in the 19th century. The manor was also used for several other films such as Eyes Wide Shut (1999), The Mummy Returns (2001) and even Rowan Atkinson’s Comedy spy film, Johnny English (2003). 

Venice – Casino Royale

The city of Venice with the Rialto Bridge in the background. Source: Travel Triangle

The famous city of Italy with the iconic Rialto bridge in place where couples go for their honeymoon and where our beloved English Spy James Bond confessed his love for Vesper Lynd in the third movie of the Live Action James Bond Remake, Casino Royale. The city was and still is an important destination of the world. The Rialto Bridge was the place of the Rialto stock exchange, the Wall Street stock exchange during medieval times. Venice is also home to the villain of Shakespeare’s play, Shylock the Jew from the Merchant Of Venice. The city-state of Venice was also the place where the execution of Antonio was to take place as well. 

Venice is known mostly for the canals and gondolas one can use to make their way across the city itself. The city is also known for its architecture, both from the times of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance.   

Divinity School, Oxford – Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire

Divinity School, Oxford. Source: Cornell Library Digital Collection

Most Potterhead’s know that the famous school of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry were created using sets and buildings from the university of Oxford. Some aspects of the magical castle were added later on into the films, such as the bridge that leads to the Forbidden forest and another hall of staircases that leads directly to the Great Hall. The Divinity School is a part of this. The building was used for shooting the scene where Minerva McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor house, was teaching her students to dance, in preparation for the Yule Ball. She used Ronald Weasley as an example. 
The building was built around 1427 and 1483 and is one of the oldest standing buildings in the city. Other Notable films that were shot here: The Madness of King George (1994), Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone (2001) and The Favourite (2018).

Siem Reap – Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

Siem Reap, Cambodia. Source: Swedish Nomad

It is an ancient city where the Angkor Wat temple complex resides. It is also the shooting location for Angelina Jolie’s film, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. In the film, the temple complex is home to the other half of the ‘Triangle of Light’, a relic in the film. 
The location is also an ideal tourist spot as well. The ancient architecture of the city will dazzle tourists and enthusiasts of ancient history alike. 

Bollywood

Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh

Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh. Source: India Tours

The lake is known for its mesmerising beauty since it is surrounded with mountains on its sides. The lake rose to prominence thanks to the hit film, 3 idiots. The last shot where Amir khan’s character’s true identity is revealed; where he reunites with his college friends  and confesses his love to his college crush before running away into the horizon with their topper- turned spoilt businessman chasing after them. 

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. Source: Forbes India

It is also known as India’s skiing location. So, there is no need to spend your hard-earned money and travel to Switzerland just for the sake of skiing. It is a winter wonderland, with the snow-capped peaks and trees along with the majestic scenery.  This winter wonderland has been the host of many of Bollywood’s films such as Rockstar, Highway along with classics starring Shammi Kapoor. 

Darjeeling, West Bengal 

Darjeeling, West Bengal. Source: Times Of India

Bollywood is in absolute love with the city. The various buildings from the British era as well as the popular school, St Paul’s School has become an iconic destination for learning, travel as well as for filming. The school has made an appearance in films such as Jaga Jasoos and Main Hoon na.

Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan

Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan. Source: Times Of India

The forts in India are maintained by the archaeological survey of India. Hence, they are in very good condition. The forts are a very promising tourist destination and provides a glimpse into medieval India. Although most of the lavish decorations and furniture have been removed by the British, the overall rooms and structure are still intact. This provides a clear historical background and events that have occurred in the past. The forts of Rajasthan provide an insight into the history of the Rajput. Chittorgarh fort serves as the prime shooting location for Deepika Padukone’s Padmavat and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani.     

Tollywood

 
Chinatown tanneries, Kolkata

Chinatown Tanneries, Kolkata. Source: Kris Bailey 

The Chinatown area of Kolkata was the former location of the tanneries that were set up by the settling Chinese population that had settled down into the city. Apart from the variety of Chinese restaurants, the rugged buildings and abandoned tanneries provide a perfect setting for Thriller films in the industry. They make a mainstream appearance in Dwitiyo Purush.  

Howrah bridge Kolkata

Howrah Bridge, Kolkata. Source: Telegraph India

The Howrah bridge is an iconic monument and landmark in the city of Joy. It is still in use today and connects the cities of Howrah and Kolkata. The bridge manages to attract the attention of film directors and is often used to depict a serene river or an intimate moment on the banks of the Hooghly river such as Princep Ghat.  

Victoria Memorial – Kolkata

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata. Source: Fabhotels

Victoria memorial is also another iconic monument in Kolkata and is often used on the big screen to signify the presence in the city of joy. Victoria memorial always opens with its lush green gardens and the marble monument in memory of Queen Victoria, who passed away in 1901. 

Calcutta High Court

Calcutta High Court, Kolkata. Source: The Indian Express

Whenever there is crime in the city of joy, all court cases are immediately transferred to the apex court of the state in all Bengali films. The Calcutta high court is famous for its British era architecture along with the clock tower and the central flag pole that is on it.