While the pandemic was unkind to many in the film industry, it turns out that it was good for Goa. Many films were shot at various locations in Goa, which translates to revenue to the state and promotion of the state’s tourism. And, the month of February alone saw the release of three movies, which had been filmed in Goa —Gehraiyaan, Badhaai Do and Loop Lapeta.
In the past, just one or two films a year would be shot in Goa. However, in recent times, with better facilities, affordable pricing, and great locations, many films that make it to the silver screen are being shot in Goa.
Goa offers some amazing and unique locations, owing to its Indo-Portuguese houses, beaches, churches, temples and interesting stay options.
The film Gehraiyaan, released on Amazon Prime last week, has made quite a buzz due to its storyline, with netizens posting mixed reactions about the same. The film, released in the first week of February, Loop Lapeta, on Netflix, is a remake of the 1998-German thriller Run Lola Run. Another film that is definitely picking up the buzz is Badhaai Do, featuring Bhumi Pednekar and Rajkumar Rao.
Various locations like Betalbatim beach, Verem, Chandor, Old Goa have been featured in these films.
Gehraiyaan
The recent film Gehraiyaan, directed by Shakun Batra, highlights the complexities of relationships and how infidelity is just the tip of iceberg in many relationships today. The film stars Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ananya Panday in the lead.
The film starts with Deepika (Alisha) instantly falling for Siddhant (Zain) the moment they meet. The film drives down the road of passion and intimacy, and once while, they are both committed to different partners. The relationship is on slippery slope and touches on themes such as intimacy, childhood trauma, love and cheating.
If you watched the film, but still can’t get over the amazing property in Alibaug, then let us fill you in on a little secret — that the location is not Alibaug, but Goa! Yes, you read that right, the place features Ahilya by the Sea, located at Nerul-Reis Magos in Goa. It is a luxury boutique, effortlessly encapsulating Goa’s vibe. It has three independent villas, a swimming pool and a lot more.
Direction: Coco Maia, 787, Nerul-Reis Margos Road,
Nerul, Goa
Contact: www.ahilyabythesea.com
Loop Lapeta
The film opens with a Konkani song Aga Bai Goh by Sarita Mesquita Vaz. It features places in, both, North and South Goa, including Old Goa, Chandor, Panaji, etc. Braganza House, in Chandor, is also prominently seen in the film, along with other locations such as the old Secretariat building, the Old Goa jetty and more.
As the film is a remake of Run Lola Run, you will notice that it makes you feel like you are stuck in a never-ending loop. The movie features Taapsee Pannu and Tahir Raj Bhasin.
Direction: Chandor, Sadolxem Bridge, and Panjim
Badhaai Do
With theaters opening amidst the pandemic, this movie is currently being screened in theatres across India. The film Badhaai Do is a sequel to the 2018 film Badhaai Ho, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sanya Malhotra.
It delves into the subject of LGBT, and brings new social issues to the fore. Starring Bhumi Pednekar and Rajkummar Rao, the film is shot largely in Dehradun, Mussorie and a little bit in Goa, too.
You can spot the Old Goa, Betalbatim beach and a coconut-lined grove in Parra in the film.
Direction: Betalbatim beach, Old Goa, Mangrove Broadwalk Park and Parra