Amid the heated political debate over Manikarnika Ghat’s redevelopment in Varanasi, one truth stands unshaken: the city is a goldmine for Indian cinema. Its spiritual ghats, flowing Ganga, and labyrinthine streets have hosted shoots for countless films, from South Indian epics to Hindi blockbusters.
Kickstarting the modern wave was ‘Raanjhanaa’ in 2013. Aanand L. Rai captured Dhanush’s obsessive love for Sonam Kapoor amid Banaras’ chaotic charm—think crowded galis, vibrant aartis, and the ever-present thrum of life.
‘ Masaan’ followed in 2015, with Neeraj Ghaywan using Manikarnika’s pyres to frame Vicky Kaushal and Richa Chadha’s heartbreaking narratives on forbidden love and societal shackles. The ghat’s somber rituals amplified the film’s emotional depth.
In ‘Mukti Bhawan,’ Shubhashish Bhutiani turned Varanasi into a quirky backdrop for a man’s date with destiny. Adil Hussain’s journey to the ‘Mukti Bhawan’ hotel near the ghats blended laughs with life’s big questions.
The 2006 thriller ‘Banaras’ starred Urmila Matondkar in a tale of forbidden passion, shot extensively at Kashi Vishwanath and mystic ashrams, emphasizing the city’s otherworldly vibe.
‘Mohalla Assi,’ directed by Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, brought grit to Assi Ghat with Sunny Deol tackling hypocrisy and tradition in everyday Banarasi life.
The list grows with ‘Brahmastra,’ where Ranbir Kapoor’s Shiva saga unfolded dramatically on the ghats. ‘Vanvaas’ by Anil Sharma featured Nana Patekar in tear-jerking family scenes by the river, and ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ romped through Rajendra Prasad Ghat and bustling chowks.
Varanasi’s magic lies in its authenticity—no set can replicate its soul-stirring essence, ensuring filmmakers return time and again.
