Lights, Camera, Udaipur! — The City of Lakes and Its Rich Cinema Heritage
When you think of Udaipur, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola, the grand silhouette of City Palace against a golden sunset, or the romance of narrow streets and vibrant bazaars. But did you know that these same beautiful sights have made Udaipur a favourite backdrop for filmmakers across the world? From royal palaces to rustic ghats, this city has been the silent star of many blockbuster movies.
Whether it’s a classic James Bond thriller or a dreamy Bollywood love story, Udaipur has left its mark on the silver screen—and on the hearts of millions of moviegoers. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the cinematic magic of Udaipur.
Udaipur in Hollywood: A Bond With the City
Let’s start with the movie that first put Udaipur on the global film map—James Bond’s Octopussy (1983). This classic spy thriller starring Roger Moore was shot extensively in Udaipur, and the city played a starring role in creating the movie’s exotic, mysterious atmosphere.
From the iconic Lake Palace in the middle of Lake Pichola to the charming streets of the old city, Udaipur's scenery added richness and grandeur to the film. The floating Lake Palace became the hideout of Bond’s love interest, while the Monsoon Palace and Jag Mandir featured in several scenes.
Even today, many hotels and tour operators in Udaipur host Octopussy movie nights, especially in rooftop cafés, keeping the legacy alive. The movie turned Udaipur into a dream destination for international tourists looking for “that James Bond location”.
Bollywood’s Romance with Udaipur
While Bond added a sense of mystery to Udaipur, Bollywood added love, colour, and celebration.
One of the most memorable films shot in Udaipur in recent times is Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013). Remember the dreamy scenes where Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone attend their friend’s destination wedding? That lavish celebration was filmed at the Udaivilas Hotel, with views of Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills creating pure magic.
The movie captured the youthful, fun side of Udaipur—friends dancing under the stars, couples falling in love by the lake, and that perfect mix of tradition and modernity. After the film’s release, Udaipur became a go-to destination for Indian weddings, pre-wedding shoots, and even bachelor parties.
Another movie that celebrated the city’s charm was “Ram Leela” (2013), directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Though not entirely filmed in Udaipur, the city’s culture and aesthetic inspired many scenes, costumes, and sets.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: A British Tribute
Moving back to international cinema, let’s talk about the heartwarming film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). This British drama-comedy featured an ensemble cast including Judi Dench, Dev Patel, and Maggie Smith, and was filmed in various parts of India—but Udaipur was the star location.
The movie portrayed Udaipur not just as a place of beauty, but also one filled with culture, warmth, and vibrant life. The old havelis, temples, and bustling markets gave the film an authentic Indian touch, charming both critics and viewers.
The sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015), also returned to Udaipur, further cementing the city’s connection to cinema lovers worldwide.
Why Filmmakers Love Udaipur
So what makes Udaipur such a favourite among filmmakers?
- Stunning Locations: From palaces like City Palace and Lake Palace to natural wonders like Fatehsagar Lake and Sajjangarh Fort, Udaipur offers a wide range of backdrops in one city.
- Royal Charm: Udaipur still has that regal, old-world charm. The architecture, the traditions, the clothes—everything adds a majestic touch to any movie.
- Light and Colour: The city is known for its natural lighting. The reflection of the sun on the lakes and palaces creates a golden hue that looks beautiful on camera.
- Local Support: The people of Udaipur are cinema-friendly. Locals often help film crews, and many heritage hotels open their doors for filming.
Here are a few more films that have showcased Udaipur:
- Eklavya: The Royal Guard (2007) – A film with heavy royal themes and some majestic Udaipur shots.
- Guide (1965) – Though mostly shot in Rajasthan, Udaipur was part of its journey.
- Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela (2013) – Inspired by Rajasthani culture and partially filmed around Udaipur.
- Mirzya (2016) – This poetic film featured sweeping shots of Udaipur’s natural beauty.
- Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) – Many scenes were shot in Udaipur’s palatial settings.
- Dhamaal (2007) – The comedy film used Udaipur’s scenic roads and spots.
A Boost for Local Tourism and Business
Cinema has not only made Udaipur more famous—it has helped the local economy as well.
After big movie releases, the city sees a rise in tourism. People come to Udaipur to walk where their favourite stars walked, take photos at film locations, and stay in hotels seen on-screen.
Many local businesses have flourished due to this. Heritage hotels now offer “movie-inspired” wedding packages, local guides create film-themed walking tours, and restaurants proudly mention if any celebrity dined there during a shoot.
Even smaller vendors selling Rajasthani outfits, jewellery, and handicrafts benefit when tourists shop for souvenirs after watching a movie set in Udaipur.
Udaipur Today: A Living Film Set
Today, Udaipur continues to attract filmmakers, photographers, and content creators. Whether it's a Netflix documentary, a fashion campaign, or a destination wedding video—Udaipur never goes out of style.
In the age of Instagram, Udaipur’s lakes and palaces have become even more famous. Influencers, travel bloggers, and film buffs keep rediscovering the city through the lens of a camera, adding new meaning to its timeless charm.
Visiting Udaipur? Live Your Movie Moment
If you’re planning a trip to Udaipur, why not explore it like a movie character?
- Stay where the stars stayed – Hotels like Taj Lake Palace, Udaivilas, and Leela Palace have all been part of movie sets.
- Walk the ghats and bazaars – The same places where actors filmed chase scenes or danced through the streets.
- Take a boat ride – Just like in Octopussy or Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.
- Dress up like royalty – Rent a traditional outfit and take some filmy photos with the city in the background.
Udaipur makes everyone feel like a star—even if just for a moment.
Udaipur, The Eternal Muse
Some cities inspire poets. Some inspire painters. But Udaipur inspires filmmakers. It is a place where every lane tells a story, every palace holds a history, and every lake reflects beauty.
From James Bond to Bollywood’s biggest stars, Udaipur has played many roles. But through all these movies, one thing is clear—the city is not just a backdrop. It is a character in itself.
So the next time you watch a movie set in a royal land with lakes and palaces, look closely. You might just be watching Udaipur—the real-life movie set that continues to enchant the world.
Author’s Note:
Whether you're a movie lover, a traveller, or just someone curious about India’s beauty—Udaipur is a place you must see at least once. And when you do, don’t forget to relive those cinematic moments that made the city world-famous. Udaipur is not just the City of Lakes. It’s the city of dreams, lights, and endless reels.
Visit Udaipur. Experience the cinema. Live the story.
