Amid the diplomatic fanfare of President Emmanuel Macron’s India visit—marked by landmark agreements and a upgraded strategic partnership—one constant in Indo-French relations shines through: France’s magnetic pull on Bollywood filmmakers. From the black-and-white grandeur of ‘Sangam’ to the colorful romps of ‘Befikre’, France has hosted generations of Indian cinema, weaving visual magic that captivates millions.
It all kicked off with Raj Kapoor’s 1964 epic ‘Sangam’, a trailblazer that splashed Paris’s elegance across Indian screens, blending it with London and Swiss vistas. As the most expensive Indian film then, its success opened floodgates for overseas shoots, proving audiences craved that exotic allure.
No place screams romance like Paris. The Eiffel Tower twinkles in love anthems, the Seine whispers secrets in slow-motion walks, and landmarks like Trocadéro and Arc de Triomphe frame eternal vows. Bollywood’s playlist of Paris-shot songs is endless, but the films tell richer tales.
In 2016, ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ painted Paris in snowy romance, Ranbir and Anushka swaying near the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars. ‘Befikre’ took it further, with Ranveer and Vaani owning every corner—from Montmartre’s artsy hills to Pont des Arts’ love locks. Kangana’s ‘Queen’ transformed a personal journey into a triumphant Parisian odyssey, striking chords worldwide.
South stars aren’t behind: Tamil hits ‘Manmadhan Ambu’ and ‘Asal’ soaked in French beauty, as will ‘Angaeyam Kadhal’. Bunny’s ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ rocked ‘Ilahi’ under the Eiffel, and ‘Don 2’ delivered pulse-pounding pursuits through the city.
What keeps filmmakers returning? France’s hassle-free ecosystem: zero censorship, gratis permits for public spaces, and efficient regional support for seamless production. Macron’s cinema outreach during the visit signals more joint ventures, potentially revolutionizing co-productions and turning screens into stronger diplomatic tools.