The beautiful Ghats and lively streets of Kashi have always tempted the motion artists to weave a story around them. The ancient city is one of the biggest stages that hold the vibes of entire India. Here’s a list of the top 10 movies shot in varanasi.
Masaan
Masaan which literally means Cremation Ghat is one of the very few movies that have touched the soul of Kashi. Shot at the Ghats of Varanasi the movie revolves around the struggle of two youngsters fighting against the odds of their lives. The movie is full of Romance, Drama, and Tragedy.
Shooting Location
Gola Ghat, Raj Ghat, Nandeshwar Ghat, Shooltankeshwar
Star Cast
Sanjay Mishra, Pankaj Tripathi, Richa Chadda, Vicky Kaushal, and Shweta Tripathi.
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Mukti Bhawan
Mukti Bhawan or Hotel Salvation is a comedy-drama shot and based entirely on Banaras. The movie shows the journey of an elderly person who checks in to one of the death hotels of Kashi. The movie depicts how people from ancient times have been traveling to Varanasi just to die. As bizarre as it may sound death hotels are real in Varanasi.
Shooting Location
Bhramha Ghat, Nandeshwar Ghat
Star Cast
Adil Hussain, Lalit Behl, Geetanjali Kulkarni
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Mohalla Assi
Loosely based around the “Kashi ka Assi” novel of Kashinath Singh, Mohalla Assi is one of the most controversial movies 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 2015 went through a legal hustle when someone filed a complaint against the lead actors for cursing along with “Hare Hare Mahadev”.
The movie did’t receive much applaud from the critics but it still managed to capture the vibes of raw Banaras.
Shooting Location
Assi locality & Ghat, Pappu Tea Stall
Star Cast
Sunny Deol, Saurabh Shukla, Ravi Kishan, Sakshi Tanwar
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Ranjhaana
Ranjhaana is a movie packed with romance, drama, and typical Banarasi comedy. It’s a love story of a middle-class Banarasi boy who ends up falling in love with a rich Muslim girl. what follows is a story full of comedy, drama, and tragedy.
The creators of the movie have very efficiently utilised all the prominent locations of Varanasi. The soothing songs, beautiful locations and amazing Banarasi humour will for sure take you on a virtual journey of Banaras!
Shooting Location
Nandeshwar Ghat, Assi, Godowlia, Ramnagar, Alamgir Mosque, MotiJheel Palace
Star Cast
Dhanush, Sonam kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, Abhay Deol, Zeeshan Ayub
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The Last Color
The Last Color narrates the story of an Indian widow living at Ashram in Varanasi. Played by Neena Gupta, the character befriends a “Ghat girl” which results in a chain of colorful events. The movie revolves around the life of widows living in Varanasi and it highlights their plight.
The last color is one of the most beautiful movies shot in Varanasi. The pure connection, impeccable performance by the actors and profound selection of locations will bring you an immersive experience of Banaras.
Shooting Location
Nandeshwar Ghat, Lal Ghat, Lolark Kund, Assi Ghat
Star Cast
Neena Gupta, Aqsa Siddiqui
Banaras
Based on the story of a girl from a wealthy family who falls in love with a lower caste boy, Banaras is a typical Bollywood love story but with a twist of Dharmic mysticism. You will often find references to Buddha, Kabir, Tulsi Das and Adi Shankara in the movie.
Banaras is a slow movie that captures the beauty of Varanasi in a spiritual dimension.
Shooting Location
Ramnagar Fort, Sarnath, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat
Star Cast
Naseeruddin Khan, Urmila Matondkar, Ashmit Patel, Raj Babbar, Dimple Kapadia
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Laaga Chunari Mein Daag
Laaga Chunari Mein Daag is one of those musical melodramas that runs on a fairytale-like theme. Based on the story of three sisters from Varanasi the movie depicts the journey of a woman through the ups and downs of life and how she tackles them.
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Isaaq
A Hindi adaption of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Isaaq is an action-filled drama movie. The story revolves around the families of two influential sand mafia and their rivalry. There are many scenes in the movie where you can see the imitation of popular local festivals and rituals of Varanasi.
Shooting Location
Assi Ghat, Raja Ghat, Lakhaniya Dari
Star Cast
Ravi Kishan, Prateik Bappar, Amyra dastur
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Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain
“Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain” is a simple yet beautiful love story of a middle-aged couple. The movie is entirely shot in Varanasi with Sanjay Mishra playing the lead actor. For those who don’t know, Sanjay shares a special connection with Varanasi and has spent ample time in the city. Even his subtle presence is enough to add Banarasi vibes!
Shooting Location
Whole Varanasi
Star Cast
Sanjay Mishra, Pankaj Tripathi
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Kaashi
Packed with action, drama and amazing dialogues, Kaashi is a story about a young guy who’s searching for his sister Ganga. The movie is shot at various locations including the famous Brij Rama Palace hotel.
Shooting Location
Malviya Bridge, BHU, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Brij Rama Hotel, Manikarnika Ghat
Star Cast
Sanjay Mishra, Pankaj Tripathi
Watch Trailer
Also Read Nandeshwar ghat – Where bollywood chills in Varanasi
