‘Housefull’ In Delhi As Half A Dozen Films Make It A Favourite Destination

“More and more filmmakers are opting for Delhi today. Call it the demand of the script or better working environment but Delhi has turned out to be a hot destination for many filmmakers from Mumbai. As we talk, the shoot of Sajid Nadiadwala’s Highway, Krishika Lulla’s Bhajathe Raho, Yash Raj’s yet untitled film and Vivek Agnihotri’s Freedom is currently on”, informs a senior crew member.

He continues, “Imtiaz Ali, Randeep Hooda, Alia Bhatt, Tusshar Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Sonam Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Vivek Agnihotri – everyone is in the city, hence accounting for a good chunk of film celebrities who are canning their products.”

This isn’t all as a major part of Aanand L Rai’s Raanjhnaa with Sonam Kapoor and Dhanush was very recently concluded in Delhi, John Abraham came along with Shoojit Sircar for a quick visit to can his Madras Cafe while Sabbir Khan would be bringing Tiger Shroff to kick-start his Bollywood career at Delhi for Heropanti. This would make it a double bill for Sajid Nadiadwala whose Highway is also being shot in the capital.

Incidentally Krishika Lulla’s last production Chalo Dilli too was prominently shot in Delhi. Ditto for Imtiaz Ali who had shot Love Aaj Kal in the city. Same holds true for Ayushmann as well whose Vicky Donor was entirely based in Delhi.

As for Vivek, his Hate Story had Delhi and its IT board room politics playing an important part in the narrative. Now for Freedom, which makes a strong statement on the socio-political state of the country, he recently shot a chase scene in the crowded locality of Paharganj. No wonder, he too believes that there couldn’t have been a better stage and setting than Delhi.

Though one waits to see how Imtiaz has shot his Highway take in the city, it is expected that for Heropanti, Sabbir would show that side of Delhi which has been hitherto unexplored.

Can we already hear cries of Chalo Delhi from other filmmakers too?

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder