Bollywood Hits the Streets: Movies Shot in Varanasi’s Vibrant Heart!

The beautiful ghats and lively streets of Kashi have long been a source of inspiration for filmmakers, sparking the creation of many captivating stories. This ancient city, brimming with India's rich cultural energy, has become a popular filming destination. From its sacred ghats and vibrant streets to the amazing people who live here, Varanasi offers a unique backdrop for storytelling. It's so instantly recognisable when we see Varanasi on the big screen that it naturally sets the tone for the movie without any added effort. This vibrant and wonderful tapestry of a city continues to allure filmmakers and audiences alike. Here’s a list of memorable movies shot in this iconic city.

Ranjhaana

Raanjhanaa is a film full of romance, drama, and classic Banarasi humour. It tells the love story of a middle-class boy from Banaras who falls for a wealthy Muslim girl. What follows is a mix of comedy, drama, and heart-wrenching tragedy. The filmmakers beautifully captured the charm of Varanasi, making the most of its iconic locations. With its soulful songs, stunning visuals, and hilarious Banarasi humour, the movie offers a delightful virtual journey through the city.

Shooting Location: Nandeshwar Ghat, Assi, Godowlia, Ramnagar, Alamgir Mosque, MotiJheel Palace

The Last Color

The Last Color tells the story of an Indian widow living in an Ashram in Varanasi, played by Neena Gupta. She befriends a young ghat girl, and their bond sparks a series of colourful and transformative events. The movie focuses on the lives and struggles of widows in Varanasi, shining a light on their plight and how they navigate their daily lives in the city. The Last Color is considered one of the most visually captivating films shot in Varanasi. The movie's deep connection to the city, the stellar performances, and the thoughtful selection of locations provide an immersive experience of Banaras' rich culture and history.

Shooting Location: Nandeshwar Ghat, Lal Ghat, Lolark Kund, Assi Ghat

Banaras

Banaras is a Bollywood love story with a Dharmic mysticism twist. It follows the tale of a girl from a wealthy family who falls in love with a lower-caste boy. The movie is rich with spiritual references to Buddha, Kabir, Tulsi Das, and Adi Shankara. While the pace is slow, Banaras beautifully captures Varanasi's spiritual essence and mesmerising beauty.

Shooting Location: Ramnagar Fort, Sarnath, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag is a musical melodrama with a fairytale-like theme. The film tells the story of two sisters from Varanasi and follows one sister as she faces various challenges in life and learns to overcome them. It beautifully portrays her struggles and triumphs, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that life can be.

Shooting Location: Varanasi

Isaaq

Isaaq is a Hindi adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, packed with action and drama. The story focuses on the rivalry between two powerful sand mafia families. The film features several scenes that capture the essence of Varanasi, including imitations of popular local festivals and rituals, adding a distinct Banarasi flavour to the story.

Shooting Location: Assi Ghat, Raja Ghat, Lakhaniya Dari

Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain

Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain is a heartwarming love story about a middle-aged couple. The film, starring Sanjay Mishra in the lead role, is entirely shot in Varanasi. Sanjay, who shares a special connection with the city, brings an authentic Banarasi touch to the movie with his presence, adding to its charm.

Shooting Location: Whole Varanasi

Masaan

Masaan, which means Cremation Ghat, is one of the rare films that truly captures the essence of Kashi. Shot on the Ghats of Varanasi tells the story of two young people struggling to overcome the challenges in their lives. The film beautifully blends romance, drama, and tragedy.

Shooting Location: Gola Ghat, Raj Ghat, Nandeshwar Ghat, Shooltankeshwar  

Mohalla Assi

Mohalla Assi, loosely based on the novel Kashi ka Assi by Kashinath Singh, is one of the most controversial films shot in Varanasi.  It revolves around the life of a priest who lives in the Assi locality of Kashi. The movie, which was set to release in 2018, went through a legal hustle when someone filed a complaint against the lead actors for cursing along with “Hare Hare Mahadev”. The movie didn’t receive much applause from the critics but still managed to capture the vibes of raw Banaras.

Shooting Location: Assi locality & Ghat, Pappu Tea Stall

Mukti Bhawan

Mukti Bhawan or Hotel Salvation, is a comedy-drama filmed entirely in Banaras. The story follows an elderly man who checks into one of Kashi's "death hotels" to spend his final days. The movie highlights the age-old tradition of people travelling to Varanasi to seek peace in their last moments. While it may sound unusual, these death hotels are part of Varanasi's culture.

Shooting Location: Bhramha Ghat, Nandeshwar Ghat

Kaashi

Kaashi is an action drama about a young man searching for his missing sister, Ganga. The film features powerful dialogues and is shot in several locations, including the iconic Brij Rama Palace Hotel.

Shooting Location: Malviya Bridge, BHU, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Brij Rama Hotel, Manikarnika Ghat