Bollywood films shot in Russia: A look at iconic movies, locations, and historical collaborations

Russian President Vladimir Putin is all ready to touch down in Delhi on Thursday, December 4, ahead of his high-profile summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, December 5. While discussions will focus on politics, trade, and strategic cooperation, there’s another interesting connection that often goes unnoticed: cinema. India and Russia share a long-standing love story on the silver screen.

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Bollywood films shot in Russia

In recent years, Russia’s stunning landscapes, snow-covered mountains, serene lakes, historic cities, have become an attractive destination for Indian filmmakers.

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Whether it’s the icy expanse of Lake Baikal or the streets of St Petersburg, Russian locations provide filmmakers a canvas to tell stories. And, they turn out to be visually striking and unique. And, Indian directors are increasingly exploring these locales.

The love affair between Indian cinema and Russian audiences dates back decades. One of the earliest examples is ‘Mera Naam Joker’ (1970). In the film, Raj Kapoor shot a segment in Moscow featuring Russian actress Kseniya Lvovna Ryabinkina.

Years later, ‘Lucky: No Time for Love’ (2005) brought Salman Khan and Sneha Ullal to St. Petersburg.

More recently ‘Pathaan’ (2023) starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone filmed an entire sequence at Lake Baikal in January 2023. Salman Khan’s ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ (2012) also included portions shot in Russia.

Going further back, joint productions like ‘Adventures of Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves’ (1981) showcased Indo-Soviet collaboration with filmmakers from both countries bringing their expertise together.

When Soviet audiences loved Bollywood

Indian films were not just shot in Russia. They were loved by Russian audiences too. There were classics like ‘Awaara’ (1951) and ‘Shree 420’ (1955) and family dramas like ‘Haathi Mere Saathi’ (1971). For these, Russian viewers embraced Bollywood with all their hearts.

Other movies include ‘Aradhana’ (1969), ‘Kati Patang’ (1970), ‘Bobby’ (1973), ‘Disco Dancer’ (1982), ‘Avtaar’ (1983).

Even action-packed thrillers and romantic tales show scenic Russia. For example ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, ‘Rajput’ (1982), ‘Prem Kahani’ (1975), ‘Barood’ (1976) found a loyal fanbase in the Soviet Union (USSR).

Cinema as cultural diplomacy

Shooting films in Russia is not only about exotic locations. It is also about a bridge for the cultural exchange. Each film brings together a host of artists, technicians, audiences from these two diverse nations.

India and Russia continue their strategic partnership on the political front. And, cinema remains a soft power tool strengthening people-to-people ties.

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