1. PIKU(2015) The house in “Piku” is a prominent setting in the film. It’s the home of Piku Banerjee, played by Deepika Padukone, and her father, played by Amitabh Bachchan. The house is located in Kolkata and reflects a traditional Bengali architecture. The film beautifully captures the dynamics of the father-daughter relationship and how their lives revolve around the house.
2. Kapoor & Sons (2016): “Kapoor & Sons” is primarily set in the Kapoor family’s ancestral house in Coonoor. The house is portrayed as a charming and picturesque estate amidst the hills. The film explores the complexities and secrets within the Kapoor family as they reunite for a family event. The house becomes a backdrop for various emotional moments and revelations in the storyline.
3. Dear Zindagi (2016): In “Dear Zindagi,” the protagonist, played by Alia Bhatt, resides in a cozy and aesthetically pleasing apartment in Goa. The film showcases her journey of self-discovery and therapy sessions with her psychologist, played by Shah Rukh Khan. The house reflects the character’s personality and style, and it becomes a significant element in depicting her life and personal growth.
These filmi homes contribute to the storytelling in each movie, adding depth to the characters and their relationships. The choice of locations and set designs plays a crucial role in creating the overall cinematic experience.
It’s interesting to note the real-life events associated with film locations. The choice of locations by directors indeed plays a crucial role in creating the atmosphere and authenticity of a film.
In the case of “Piku,” Shoojit Sircar’s decision to select a house with a study in Delhi’s CR Park to depict a typically Bengali home adds a layer of cultural and regional authenticity to the film.
Film locations often become integral to the narrative, enhancing the storytelling experience for the audience. The recent news related to a property from “Rocky Our Rani Ki Prem Kahaani” adds a different perspective, highlighting the intersection between reel and real life.
It’s fascinating to learn about the deliberate choices directors make when selecting iconic homes for their films. If you’re compiling stories about such iconic homes seen on screen.
Celluloid Residences: Narratives of Iconic Homes in Cinema
The idea of exploring the stories behind the homes that have become iconic in the world of cinema, showcasing the thought and creativity that directors put into selecting these settings.
The Kapoor House
Movie: Kapoor & Suns
Location: Coonoor
Shakun Batra’s comments provide insight into the creative process behind selecting the location for Kapoor & Sons and how the unique features of the 100-year-old hotel in Coonoor influenced specific scenes in the movie.
Inspiration from Coonoor’s Beauty:
- During a vacation in Coonoor, Shakun Batra was captivated by the scenic beauty of the hill station. The picturesque surroundings served as the initial inspiration for the film.
Transformation of Location:
Although the original setting of Kapoor & Sons was not Coonoor, Shakun Batra decided to change it after being impressed by the location. He went back to Coonoor and found a 100-year-old hotel, which he converted into the old colonial house that became the Kapoor family home in the film.
Utilizing the Layout for Scenes:
The director points out specific scenes to highlight how the layout of the house played a crucial role in shaping the narrative. For example, in the scene with a plumber and a family argument, the layout of the house contributed to the tension and dynamics within the family setting. Additionally, in the singing scene, the layout likely provided the spatial context and atmosphere essential for creating a believable and immersive family moment.
Location’s Impact on Cinematic Moments:
The director points out specific scenes to highlight how the layout of the house played a crucial role in shaping the narrative. For example, in the scene with a plumber and a family argument, the layout of the house contributed to the tension and dynamics within the family setting. Additionally, in the singing scene, the layout likely provided the spatial context and atmosphere essential for creating a believable and immersive family moment.
Location’s Impact on Cinematic Moments:
Shakun Batra emphasizes that certain moments, like the plumber scene and the family singing scene, wouldn’t have been as impactful or authentic if the location didn’t naturally support such scenarios. This underscores the importance of selecting a location that not only aligns with the director’s vision but also enhances the storytelling by providing a realistic backdrop for key moments in the film.
The director’s decision to change the film’s location to Coonoor and specifically choosing a 100-year-old hotel showcases the thoughtful and deliberate process involved in creating a cinematic experience that feels authentic and visually stunning. The layout of the chosen house in Coonoor became an integral part of shaping memorable scenes in Kapoor & Sons.
Kaira’s House
Movie: Dear Zindagi
Location: Goa
Gauri Shinde’s insights provide a fascinating look into the behind-the-scenes aspects of creating the film “Dear Zindagi.”
Blaming Gauri Shinde for the Transformation of Parra Road:
Gauri Shinde humorously mentions how she’s frequently blamed for the transformation of Parra Road, the location of Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt’s cycling scene, into a bustling street. This suggests that the popularity of the film has led to increased attention and footfall in that particular location, with people visiting to capture photographs inspired by the film.
Real Locations in Goa:
Gauri Shinde emphasizes the authenticity of the film’s setting, particularly in Goa. She conducted an extensive recce (location scouting) in Goa, where 75% of the film was shot. This dedication to finding the right locations contributes to the film’s realism and immersive storytelling.
Realism in Kaira’s Parents’ Home:
The director chose a villa in Goa as Kaira’s parents’ home, and this choice aligned with her vision during the scriptwriting phase. Using real, thoughtfully selected locations adds depth to the storytelling, creating a genuine backdrop for the characters’ lives.
Kaira’s Friend’s House on Divar Island:
Gauri Shinde describes the location of Kaira’s friend’s house, where she stays, as being on Divar Island. The choice of a bungalow that isn’t overly spacious but exudes young vibes is a deliberate decision to match the character’s personality and lifestyle. This attention to detail in selecting a location that complements the character adds authenticity to the film.
Gauri Shinde’s dedication to finding and using real locations in Goa, coupled with her thoughtful choices in selecting homes that align with the characters and story, reflects the director’s commitment to creating a film that feels genuine and relatable. The unintended consequence of a real location, like Parra Road, becoming a popular spot for film enthusiasts further highlights the impact of cinema on real-world locations.
The Rathore Palace
Movie: Khoobsurat
Location: Bikaner
Banerjee House
Movie: Piku
Location: Delhi
Shoojit Sircar’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the significance of the house in Delhi’s CR Park in the film “Piku.”
Central Theme of the Film:
The director emphasizes that the house in Delhi’s CR Park is central to the theme of “Piku.” This suggests that the setting is not just a backdrop but plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and overall message of the film.
The Study Area as a Special Place:
Shoojit Sircar highlights the cultural significance of the study area in Bengali homes, indicating that it holds a special place in the film. This cultural detail adds authenticity to the portrayal of the characters and their lives.
Symbolism Through Shots:
The director mentions a specific shot featuring Deepika Padukone cleaning the books in the study. This visual element, combined with the father being a voracious reader who quotes from different sources, creates an important part of the film. These shots and actions contribute to the visual storytelling and provide insights into the characters’ personalities and dynamics.
Father-Daughter Bond Over Books:
The fact that both Deepika’s character and her father are portrayed as readers who engage in quoting from different sources indicates a strong bond between them over their shared love for literature. This bond likely becomes a key element in the film’s exploration of the father-daughter relationship.
Shoojit Sircar’s comments reveal that the house in Delhi’s CR Park is not just a setting but a significant element in “Piku,” contributing to the cultural authenticity and thematic depth of the film. The study area, with its symbolic shots and the father-daughter bond over books, becomes a focal point in conveying the characters’ relationships and the essence of the story.
Aditi’s House
Movie: Jaane tu….ya Jaane na
Location: Alibaug
Abbas Tyrewala’s insights provide a glimpse into the practical aspects of filmmaking, particularly in creating the visual atmosphere for different characters in the film.
Visual Contrast to Reflect Character Backgrounds:
The director mentions the importance of visual contrast in reflecting the backgrounds of the characters. Aditi’s house had to convey the impression of old money, in contrast to Sushant’s, which was described as nouveau riche. This visual distinction serves to enhance the storytelling by visually representing the socio-economic backgrounds of the characters.
Budget-Friendly House Selection:
Abbas Tyrewala faced the challenge of finding a budget-friendly house in Mumbai that could match the visual requirements for Aditi’s character. However, the practical constraints led the director to explore alternatives.
Utilizing a Family Home in Alibaug:
The director found a solution by utilizing a family home in Alibaug that was due for painting. This choice not only addressed the budget constraints but also allowed for flexibility in achieving the desired color scheme for the film.
VFX to Enhance Visuals:
The director mentions the use of VFX (Visual Effects) to paste a few buildings and make it look like South Mumbai. This highlights the creative use of technology to transform the actual location and create the desired visual aesthetics.
TWO GOAN FAVOURITES
The insight from Pedro A. Figueiredo sheds light on the decision to shoot a segment of Karan Johar’s directorial “Ghost Stories” in Goa.
Goa’s Connection to “Ghost Stories”:
The mention of a segment of “Ghost Stories” being shot in Goa establishes a geographical connection to the anthology film. The decision to shoot in Goa suggests that the location holds specific attributes that align with the narrative or visual requirements of the segment.
Ideal Locations for a Gaon Setup:
Pedro A. Figueiredo mentions that the team was looking for a village (Gaon) setup, and Goa was chosen for its ideal locations. This implies that Goa’s landscape and architecture can authentically portray the desired setting for the film.
Bigger and Spacious Houses in Goa:
The owner of The Figueiredo Mansion notes that houses in Goa are much bigger and more spacious compared to a Mumbai setup. This could be a crucial factor for filmmakers, offering more flexibility in terms of shooting angles, set design, and overall visual storytelling.
Scenic Landscape for Shooting:
The reference to the great landscape for shooting in Goa suggests that the natural beauty of the surroundings contributes to the visual appeal of the film. The scenic elements of Goa could enhance the atmospheric and storytelling aspects of the segment.
Other Movies Shot Here
Loop Lapeta
Murphy
Sound Trippin with Ankur Tiwari
Maendra Alvares’ comments provide insights into the impact of Bollywood film “Singham” being shot at Casa Araujo Alvares and how it has influenced tourism.
Selection of Casa Araujo Alvares for “Singham”:
Maendra Alvares mentions that many teams had come to see the place before it was selected for the film “Singham.” This suggests that filmmakers explored various locations before settling on Casa Araujo Alvares as a suitable setting for their movie.
Filming Inside and Outside the Property:
The statement implies that the film “Singham” involved shooting in various areas both inside and outside the Casa Araujo Alvares property. This indicates that the location provided a versatile backdrop for different scenes in the movie.
The Transformation into the “Singham House”:
Casa Araujo Alvares is now commonly referred to as the “Singham House” due to its association with the film. The success and popularity of “Singham” have led to the place becoming an iconic location, with tourists expressing interest in visiting it.
Impact on Tourism:
Maendra Alvares notes that tourists now specifically want to visit the house because “Singham” was shot there. This reflects the significant influence that Bollywood films can have on tourism, turning film locations into attractions for fans and visitors.
