BOLLYWOOD IN RUSSIA

Bollywood has had an impact on Russia since decades now. It was in the 20th century that Bollywood rose to popularity in the Soviet partly because of their common struggle against colonialism and Bollywood movies based on this issue brought the two nations together through cinema. Subsequently, the demand for employing Russia as a shooting location also grew since it has a lot to offer in terms of beautiful locations and exquisite architecture.

LUCKY: NO TIME FOR LOVE (2005)

This was the first Bollywood movie to be entirely shot in the beautiful city of  St. Petersburg, Russia. It starred Salman Khan and featured the days of Civil War and Russians’ struggle with it.

The movie starts at a picturesque St. Petersburg park where two sisters, one being the lead of the movie, Lucky, sit and chat in peace.In another scene, they are seen cycling in the morning past The Hermitage Museum and St. Petersburg Church.

Further, Lucky watches a beautiful wedding procession at the Palace Square of St. Petersburg during the ‘Hai Rama Rama’ song.

“Russia- a fairyland!” – was a dialogue accurately describing the charm of Russian riversides.

‘Jaan meri jayegi sanam’ song was an iconic song from the movie and shot at The Catherine Palace and the Pavlovsk Palace in the ornate bedroom.

AGENT VINOD (2012)

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor starrer Agent Vinod revolves around a RAW agent travelling from country to country to find out the truth about his colleague’s death and to protect his country.

Saif Ali Khan enters Russia at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg and proceeds to shoot a scene in front of the popular tourist spot Church of the Saviour of Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The church proves as an ideal location for the movie to such extent that the song ‘Rasputin’ was also shot inside the Church of the Saviour of Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia.

In another scene and the final one in Russia, Ravi Kissen is killed aboard the Trans Siberian Railway in Russia.

KHILADIYO KA KHILADI (1996)

Khiladiyo ka Khiladi is the fourth installment in the Khiladi (film series). It is one of the highest grossing Bollywood film series.

The memorable song ‘Itna Mujhe Pata Hai’ from the movie was shot in Lomonosov Moscow State University. Moscow, Russia.

PLAYERS (2012)

‘Players’ is an official remake of the 2003 Hollywood blockbuster, The Italian Job. It had a multistar cast and was filmed in multiple foreign locations including Russia.

• Catherine’s Palace, St. Petersburg was shown in the movie as Neil Nitin Mukesh’s house.

• Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, St. Petersburg was portrayed as a jewellery store and the Winter Palace, too as the place where gold was stored in the movie.