Goa, with its sun-kissed beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant culture, has long been a favourite backdrop for Bollywood filmmakers. The picturesque state has not only provided stunning visuals but also added a unique charm to numerous films. Here's a cinematic tour through some iconic Goan locations that have graced the silver screen and captured the hearts of moviegoers. Some other locations that were also used includes Divar Island, Juem Bridge, Old Goa and Maquinez Palace in Panjim and different villages and beautiful homes of Goans.
Chapora Fort: Popularly known as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai Fort,’ Chapora Fort came into the limelight with the release of the Farhan Akhtar-directed film ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ in 2001. North Goa’s Chapora Fort is a well-liked tourist attraction and a well-known landmark in the area. Filmmakers find it to be a gorgeous site because of its breathtaking views of the Chapora River and the surrounding shoreline. The movie has some famous scenes that were shot at the fort and have come to represent the plot and characters in the film. A dramatic backdrop for a number of cinematic scenes is provided by the fort's commanding position above the Arabian Sea.
Arpora night Market: This bustling market was showcased in the movie ‘Dum Maro Dum,’ starring Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, and others. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide-ranging mix of goods; it captures the essence of Goan culture and is a great place for visitors to explore. The Saturday Night Market at Arpora is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, offering a wide array of goods including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, artwork, and more. The market also features live music performances, cultural shows, and a variety of food stalls serving local and international cuisine.
Parra Road: The scenic road lined with coconut trees was prominently featured in the movie ‘Dear Zindagi.’ It is now a favorite spot for tourists looking to recreate the memorable cycling scenes from the film. Once a quiet road, it has now become a tourist attraction. The traffic congestion caused by tourists has become another problem for the locals. “The tourist cause a lot a trouble for us locals. It’s a nuisance, they click pictures right in the middle of the road if you honk they make fun and abuse verbally. We need to reach on time to work. Have fun but not at others cost. Behave like cultured and decent tourist. It rather becomes difficult even to drop children to school. They tell you, can't you wait for five minutes. Empty water bottles, wrappers are thrown at the edges as well,” say Evander Noronha from Parra.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls: One notable film that prominently features Dudhsagar Falls is ‘Chennai Express’ (2013), starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. In the movie, Dudhsagar Falls is showcased during a pivotal
train sequence, highlighting its grandeur and natural splendor. The name ‘Dudhsagar’ translates to ‘sea of milk’ in English, referring to the milky-white appearance of the water as it flows down the rocky cliff.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim: it is a Beautiful white church. ‘Josh,’ ‘Aashiqui 2,’ and ‘Dilwale 2’ are some of the films which were shot in this place. It is a m much-visited tourist destination because of its unusual architecture and convenient location in Panjim. All year round, tourists swarm this location. “There's always a lot of traffic there when I pass by that location. All year long, a tonne of tourists descend on this location. They cause issues for us residents by parking their automobiles on the roads. They don't even seem to be aware of their surroundings as they cross the street. While I have nothing against tourists visiting, I do think they should be aware of correct etiquette while travelling,” says Joseph Fernandes from Panjim.
Fontainhas: Famous location in Goa where movies ‘Ek Villain’ and ‘Malang’ were shot. It is indeed a picturesque and culturally rich neighborhood in the heart of Panjim. It's known for its narrow, winding streets, vibrant Indo-Portuguese architecture, and colorful buildings. The streets of Fontainhas are narrow and cobble stoned, adding to the old-world charm of the area. Walking through these streets feels like stepping back in time.
Dona Paula: Way back in 1981, Dona Paula was featured in 'Ek Duje Ke Liye'. The famous fight scene from the movie ‘Singham’ was shot here. Other than this, even the ‘Dilwale’ movie features this place. It is a scenic spot located in Dona Paula, a neighborhood in North Goa. It's named after Dona Paula Amaral Antónia de Souto Maior, a historical figure in Portuguese India. The jetty offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is a popular tourist destination in Goa.