One of Bollywood’s favourite setting, Goa has made an appearance on the silver screen for decades now. From the dancing around the trees kinda movies to the ones that explore deeper themes, Goa has played host to every kind of film. Here are a few of the best Bollywood films that have been shot in Goa!
LBB’s Loving
Finding Fanny
Readers’ Vote
Dil Chahta Hai
Possibly the first film that you’ll think of when we say Bollywood and Goa in the same breath, this uber cool movie showcased what we best love about the beaches. On their adventure getaway, Akash {Aamir Khan}, Sameer {Saif Ali Khan}, and Sid {Akshaye Khanna} hit the shacks and the beaches. Of course, the iconic scene at Chapora Fort makes it popular with tourists. Even if you aren’t a big fan of Bollywood, we recommend the uphill trek {you’ll probably huff and puff a little} to catch breathtaking views of the blue and green waters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvGtu9ipYpw%3C/p%3E&utm_source=LBB&ref=lbbpost
Ah! Nothing can heal like sunny Goa the only place in India {we are convinced} where a therapist will look as dishy as Jehangir Khan {SRK}. While the 2016 blockbuster tends to skip the usual tourist spots, you can acquaint yourself with the less glamorous yet super pretty Goa. From the open fields to traditional homes, quiet beaches, and rickety ferry rides —you’ll see them all.
One of those rare films to actually involve Goan characters, Finding Fanny highlights the scenic beauty of the State. Shot in picturesque villages like Socorro, Cortalim, and Saligao — you get served a slice of true Goan life. As the movie progresses, a bunch of oddballs come together to take a road trip across Goa and it’s then you can feast your eyes on open fields, wayside forts, churches, hills, and gorgeous sunsets.
Winner of two National Awards, Shyam Benegal’s Trikal was centred around the ‘Souza-Soares’ family from Goa, around the end of the Portuguese rule. Large parts of the film were shot at Mario Miranda’s iconic house in Loutolim. If you are visiting the historic town of Loutlim today, do make it a point to view the 300-year old mansion. And since this film was made in the 80s, you can see what Goa was like all those years ago.
The characters in Josh may have been stereotypical and faulty but it did offer plenty of Goa. In the song Sailaru, you can spot Panjim’s iconic Church Of Our Lady Of Immaculate Conception. The Baroque structure looms in the background as the two warring gangs {led by SRK and Sharad Pandey} have a sing off. In Apun Bola {where SRK’s character apparently doesn’t understand the importance of consent}, the scene shifts to Goa’s sunny beaches and the ruins of the St Augustine Tower located in Old Goa.
Following a group of honeymooning couples, this film gave us a whirlwind tour of Goa. The bright pink bus loaded with the film’s many characters makes stops at many of the State’s many attractions. There’s the expansive Corjeum Fort, the pretty Our Lady Of Mount Chapel, and also Fort Aguada. Along the way, you also see the golden-sand beaches and the sparkling, blue waters.
Possibly one of the earliest films to be shot in Goa, this film was inspired by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Released in 1965, the film was shot just after Goa became a part of India. While most of the film has been shot indoors, you can still see snapshots of a Goa that was yet untouched and green. The famed St Augustine Tower too makes an appearance.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s foray into direction began in Goa with this film. Revolving around a deaf and mute, Goan couple with a musically-inclined daughter — Khamoshi was a box office dud. However, like many of Bhansali’s films, the visuals were nothing short of top-notch. Old Goa, with its traditional homes and churches, is on display. You can also spot the famed Anjuna Beach and the ornate Mae De Deus Church in Saligao.
Set in Goa, this 2011 film ran into trouble with locals for allegedly portraying Goa in bad light. However, the film does showcase a Goa that we are probably most familiar with. The unending beaches lined with vibrant shacks, the night markets and, of course, the thriving night life. On the other hand, you can also snatch a peek into the laidback, daily life of the small towns that dot the Goa’s map.
The story of a lovable loser {played by SRK} is one that will steal your heart! Initially supposed to be shot entirely in Goa, the cult classic could only manage a few scenes there because of the budget constraints {SRK was paid INR 25,000 for the film}. Still, this is vintage Goa at its best. Colva Beach, the St Augustine Tower, and, even, Fort Aguada are part of the film. And you can also tag along for a ferry ride in the peppy song Anna Mere Pyaar Ko Na.
One of Naseeruddin Shah’s rare mainstream films, Jalwa {a remake of 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop} shows you what Goa looked like in the 1980s. The film features traditional homes with tiled roofs, roadside altars, and also a glimpse of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church that sits at the heart of Panjim. The beaches, however, are a revelation. They are uncrowded {so much so that even a shooting scene takes place there} and come surrounded by palm groves.
Rohit Shetty’s blockbuster Golmaal series largely unfolds in Goa. Filmed extensively around the State, these films include shots from iconic buildings in Panaji as well as other tourist attractions. The gorgeous Maquinez Palace and the old GMC Complex in the State’s capital are showcased in the film. So have Fort Aguada and Dona Paula {that was also the place for a famous scene in Shetty’s Singham}.
