Reel Life Locations In Chennai Where Some Of The Best Films Were Made

The Marina beach is a location that is synonymous with the city, so naturally it’s a favourite shooting spot. The Marina has made itself visible in a number of films over the years, including May Maadham, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya, 7G Rainbow Colony, Vaaranam Aayiram and Naan Mahaan Alla. The plot line of the Tamil movie Marina which released in 2012, was entirely about the hawkers on the beach.

Whether it’s a tearful reunion or the lead’s entry, the train stations of Chennai have been indispensable in Tamil cinema. Alaipayuthey, Agni Natchathiram, Singaravelan and  Gentleman are some of the films that have captured the train stations of Chennai.

This contemporary hotel that is tucked inside Khader Nawaz Khan Road has started showing up in films only recently. Remember the first big fight between Adi and Tara in OK Kanmani? That scene was shot right here.

This chic cafe that forms a part of The Savera Hotels made its debut film appearance in the blockbuster Ajith-Trisha starrer, Yennai Arindhaal. Incidentally, Goutham Menon, who is also the director of the film can be spotted here quite often as well!

The Presidency College in Triplicane, which dates back to the 19th Century is a stunning example of colonial architecture. Notable films that have been shot here include the Dev Patel starrer, The Man Who Knew Infinity, and Mani Ratnam’s Aayutha Ezhuthu.

The Government Museum in Egmore, with its stone dinosaurs outside and chola bronzes inside might seem like an odd choice for a film shooting spot, but it was here that AR Rahman’s biggest hit song in the 90s was filmed. The museum played set for the song ‘Konjam Nilavu’ from the film Thiruda Thiruda.

The Broken Bridge, is literally a broken bridge that spans partly across the Adyar estuary – that is, where the river joins the sea. This bridge, though broken, comes with fantastic views during the day and is one of the few tranquil places in the city. A few scenes from the film Vaali, and the iconic Inba-Michael face off from Aayutha Ezhuthu were shot here.

Everyone loves some sun and sand for their shoots. And Chennai’s East Coast Road has the prettiest and cleaner beaches for couples hunting for sun-kissed spots. Flaunt your white gowns, suits and flowery dresses by clear waters and blue skies at these beaches. On the other side are also a row of trees and walls to get more memorable shots and amazing silhouette pictures.

The Boat Club is a colony near Adyar and is full of beautiful houses and clean streets. With most bungalows reflecting the south Indian architecture, this street is perfect for those long winding roads with lush greens on either side. The entire colony is so quiet too which helps with audio editing. 

This isolated road right off the Rajeev Gandhi Salai is home to many colleges including the Polytechnic College and The Asian College Of Journalism. The entire 100 meter stretch is lined with huge Callistemon and Tamarind trees. The setting almost never sees any vehicles and is perfect for those highway shots. During the rains, the entire place runs amok with little frogs and the little puddles are full of tadpoles making the entire scene look like it's in Switzerland. 

Helena Blavatsky, founded the Theosophical Society, with the intention to advance popular religion Theosophy. It is known for being a popular spot for migratory birds, snakes and other wildlife. This verdant, green campus can be found bang in the middle of the city and is well known for being home to many places of history and heritage and its sprawling greenery. the Buddhist Shrine and the Zoroastrian Temple are popular spots for filming those romantic scenes. Series like Maadhu-Cheenu and Nil Gavani Crazy have been shot here.