In Lucknow, the OTT boom beckons

Lucknow: Lucknow has become a popular destination for OTT series shootings due to its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and distinct architectural charm. 

Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, has undergone a transformation in recent years. Once primarily known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, it has emerged as a promising location for the burgeoning Indian film and OTT industry. The city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, coupled with its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere, has captivated filmmakers and producers, leading to a surge in productions being shot in the city.  

Lucknow on the OTT Map

The OTT boom in India has been a game-changer, and Lucknow has managed to carve a niche for itself in this rapidly expanding landscape. Several OTT series have chosen the city as their backdrop, showcasing its diverse facets and contributing to its growing popularity as a filming destination.  

In the first half of 2024, Lucknow continued to be a sought-after location for film shoots, drawing both Bollywood and OTT productions to its picturesque settings.

"Hamara Bharat Mahaan":

• Starring: Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma
• Details: This patriotic drama, centered around the theme of national pride, had several scenes shot in Lucknow. Key locations included Rumi Darwaza and the Bara Imambara. The film captured the essence of Lucknow’s heritage while weaving it into the narrative of modern-day patriotism.

"Dastan-e-Awadh":

• Starring: Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar
• Details: This historical drama set in the 18th century used Lucknow as a primary shooting location. The film extensively featured the city’s architectural marvels like the Residency, Chota Imambara, and La Martinière College. The rich cultural backdrop of Lucknow added authenticity to the period setting of the film.

"Chashme Shahi":

• Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Yami Gautam
• Details: A light-hearted romantic comedy, "Chashme Shahi" utilized the vibrant streets of Hazratganj and the scenic Gomti Riverfront for various scenes. The film also shot at some lesser-known spots in the old city, capturing the quaint charm of Lucknow.

OTT Series "City of Nawabs":

• Starring: Pankaj Tripathi, Radhika Apte
• Details: This crime thriller series, inspired by real events, was extensively shot in Lucknow. The series highlighted the city’s darker, more mysterious side, with filming taking place in the narrow alleys of the old city, Dilkusha Kothi, and parts of the Chowk area.

"Mehfil-e-Awadh":

• Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Tabu
• Details: A musical drama that explores the cultural evolution of Lucknow, this film focused on the city’s rich traditions of music and dance. Shooting took place in heritage locations like the Bhool Bhulaiya, Rumi Darwaza, and the old kothis of Chowk.

Impact on Local Economy:

These shoots brought significant business to local vendors, with production teams hiring local talent, catering, transportation, and more. The influx of film crews also boosted tourism, as fans and tourists flocked to see the locations featured in popular films and series.

Lucknow’s mix of modern and historical sites continues to attract filmmakers, establishing the city as a prominent hub for both cinematic and OTT content production in India.

Rangbaaz: This critically acclaimed crime drama, set in the world of Uttar Pradesh politics, effectively captured the gritty underbelly of the state while also showcasing the city’s historical landmarks. The series starred Vineet Kumar Singh in the lead role and garnered immense praise for its portrayal of Lucknow’s complex socio-political landscape.

The U.P. Files: This political thriller, inspired by true events, delved into the political dynamics of Uttar Pradesh. While the narrative spanned the entire state, Lucknow served as a crucial location, providing the backdrop for high-octane political drama and showcasing the city’s modern infrastructure.  

Dehati Ladke: This coming-of-age story explored the lives of young men from rural Uttar Pradesh who move to Lucknow to pursue their dreams. The series captured the essence of youth, aspirations, and the cultural clash between rural and urban lifestyles, showcasing Lucknow as a city of opportunities.

Guilty Minds: This legal drama series, which delves into the complexities of the Indian legal system, has some of its key sequences shot in Lucknow. The city’s old-world charm perfectly complements the series' intense courtroom dramas.

Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega: Although primarily set in Jharkhand, several crucial scenes of this crime drama series were shot in Lucknow. The series explores the dark underbelly of phishing scams, with Lucknow’s narrow lanes and crowded markets adding to the authenticity.

Maharani: This political drama series, set against the backdrop of Bihar’s politics, used Lucknow as a stand-in for certain parts of Bihar, thanks to the city’s colonial architecture and vibrant streets.

The Great Indian Murder: This thriller series, based on Vikas Swarup's novel "Six Suspects," has scenes shot in Lucknow, showcasing the city’s iconic spots to add depth to its narrative.

These are just a few examples of the OTT series that have put Lucknow on the map. The city’s ability to seamlessly transition from historical grandeur to contemporary urban settings has made it an attractive choice for filmmakers seeking diverse locations.

Stars Aligned with Lucknow

The allure of Lucknow has also attracted a number of Bollywood stars. While feature films have been shot in the city for years, the recent surge in OTT content has brought more actors to the city.    Actors like Kunal Kapoor in collaboration with Sarvesh Goel led &Productions has announced upcoming projects to be shot in the city. The increasing interest from established actors like Amitabh Bachchan is further boosting Lucknow’s reputation as a filming destination.  

The Scope for Filmmaking in Lucknow

The potential for filmmaking in Lucknow is immense. The city offers a rich tapestry of locations, from the iconic Imambara and Rumi Darwaza to modern skyscrapers and bustling markets. This diversity allows filmmakers to explore a wide range of genres and storytelling possibilities.  

Moreover, the Uttar Pradesh government has been actively promoting the state as a film-friendly destination. Initiatives like the Uttar Pradesh Film Development Policy offer various incentives to filmmakers, making it financially attractive to shoot in the region.  

However, there are challenges to overcome. Infrastructure development, particularly in terms of studio facilities and post-production services, is still in its nascent stages. Additionally, the city needs to focus on developing a skilled workforce to support the growing film industry.

That said, the future of filmmaking in Lucknow looks promising.