Bollywood, the vibrant Indian film industry, is renowned for producing extravagant and visually stunning movies. Over the years, filmmakers have ventured beyond their traditional shooting locations to capture the beauty and grandeur of international destinations. One such favored destination is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Miracle Garden, The Palm, Atlantis etc, providing breathtaking backdrops for many Bollywood movies. Let’s take a closer look at eight Bollywood movies that have been shot in the UAE, featuring these spectacular locations.
Happy New Year (2014)
Directed by the imaginative Farah Khan, “Happy New Year” seized the UAE’s architectural marvel, the Burj Khalifa, to mirror its high-octane plot. As the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa became a metaphor for the movie’s towering aspirations and electrifying energy. The climax, set against this iconic backdrop, witnessed a mesmerizing dance sequence that encapsulated the triumph of the characters. This exhilarating fusion of choreography and architectural splendor provided a stunning visual crescendo, cementing the UAE’s presence as more than just a backdrop but an integral character in the film’s narrative.
Dilwale (2015)
“Dilwale,” directed by Rohit Shetty, marries romance and beauty against the enchanting landscapes of the UAE. The Dubai Miracle Garden serves as an artistic canvas, mirroring the blossoming love between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s characters. Amidst vibrant floral arrangements, the garden becomes a poetic representation of their emotions, adding depth to the film’s storytelling. Additionally, Atlantis, The Palm, a symbol of luxury, enriches the narrative’s emotional palette, capturing the essence of love’s grandeur. The film’s infusion of emotional depth with Dubai’s splendor crafts a cinematic tapestry that lingers in the hearts of audiences.
Race 3 (2018)
In Remo D’Souza’s action-packed “Race 3,” the UAE unfolds as a tapestry of contrasts. From the sleek modernity of the Abu Dhabi Corniche to the timeless allure of the Liwa Desert, the film captured the country’s dynamic essence. The juxtaposition of contemporary architecture against the unspoiled desert’s golden sands created a visual spectacle that celebrated both the UAE’s urban grandeur and its natural beauty. Through meticulous cinematography, the movie wove these contrasting landscapes into the storyline, enhancing the film’s narrative depth and visually captivating audiences with a thrill.
Bang Bang (2014)
The pulse-pounding action of “Bang Bang,” a thrilling adaptation of “Knight and Day,” leveraged Dubai’s emblematic Burj Khalifa for its high-octane sequences. As Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif navigated the tower’s dizzying heights, the skyscraper evolved from a mere location into a co-star that symbolized the characters’ audacious endeavors. The Burj Khalifa’s significance extended beyond its architectural magnificence, embodying the film’s themes of pushing boundaries and reaching new heights. Through breathtaking stunts against this iconic backdrop, the movie seamlessly integrated Dubai’s allure into its narrative, forging an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
Ali Abbas Zafar’s cinematic masterpiece, “Tiger Zinda Hai,” unfurls its gripping narrative against the majestic landscapes of Abu Dhabi, creating a visual extravaganza characterized by action, intensity, and emotion. The sprawling dunes of the Liwa Desert serve as a metaphorical canvas, mirroring the daunting challenges that the protagonists must overcome in their mission. This natural expanse echoes the trials and tribulations faced by the characters, their struggle encapsulated in the vast, untamed beauty of the desert.
In stark contrast, the Emirates Palace Hotel emerges as a beacon of luxury and opulence, representing the elevated stakes of the mission and the sophisticated backdrop against which the story unfolds. The juxtaposition of the desert’s raw intensity and the hotel’s refined elegance adds depth to the film’s thematic exploration of duality and sacrifice. The UAE’s role transcends that of a mere setting; it transforms into a pivotal character, echoing the spirit of resilience and determination that drives the protagonists forward.
Dishoom (2016)
In Rohit Dhawan’s cinematic creation “Dishoom,” the audience embarks on a delightful comedic escapade set against the mesmerizing desert vistas of Abu Dhabi. Here, the vast and timeless expanse of the desert assumes a character of its own, seamlessly merging with the film’s vibrant narrative. The golden dunes, stretching into the horizon, serve as a metaphor for the unpredictability that underscores the characters’ rollicking adventure. This symbiotic relationship between the desert and the storyline creates an experience that transcends the conventional cinematic encounter.
Indeed, the seamless fusion of humor and the enchanting beauty of the desert gives rise to a truly distinctive cinematic endeavor. The comedic rhythm of the film finds an unlikely yet harmonious partner in the mesmerizing topography of Abu Dhabi’s desert. Far beyond being a passive backdrop, the desert becomes an active participant in the narrative, influencing the characters’ escapades and eliciting laughter from the audience.
Airlift (2016)
Raja Krishna Menon’s “Airlift” masterfully weaves historical events into the UAE’s embrace, creating a narrative tapestry that resonates with authenticity. Filmed in Ras Al Khaimah and other UAE locales, the movie captures the turbulence and resilience of characters during the Gulf War evacuation. These landscapes become more than locations; they mirror the journey of hope and survival. By immersing itself in the UAE’s historical context, the film not only engages with the past but also paints a poignant portrait of human endurance against a backdrop of stark beauty.
Housefull 3 (2016)
In Sajid-Farhad’s uproarious comedy “Housefull 3,” the sprawling metropolis of Dubai emerges as more than just a setting; it transforms into a living, breathing character that infuses the film with an extra layer of hilarity. The filmmakers expertly harness the vibrant backdrop of Dubai, skillfully weaving it into the narrative’s comedic fabric. The city’s magnetic allure and architectural splendor become integral to the film’s comedic situations, serving as catalysts for a series of uproarious events.
Dubai’s iconic landmarks stand tall as both witnesses and participants in the characters’ humorous escapades. The clever interplay between opulent surroundings and slapstick comedy creates a delightful contrast, accentuating the film’s comedic rhythm. The luxurious settings and the often-absurd situations of the characters blend harmoniously, resulting in a dynamic fusion that fuels the laughter.
