Locations in Europe: Prague (Czech Republic), Santorini (Greece).
Storyline
Star(s): Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Danny Denzongpa
Songs/Dance: Prague (Czech Republic), Santorini (Greece). Most action and song sequences were shot in India.
Indian/ International Crew: Collaboration between Indian and international crews.
Language: Hindi
Executive Producer/Production Manager/Line Producer: Radomir Docekal and Tomas Krejci (Executive Producers: Czech Republic), Frantisek Rezek and Jiri Rezek (Unit Production Managers: Czech Republic), Maxine Heppner (Line Producer: Greece)
Director/Producer: Siddharth Anand/Fox Star Studios
Film Location Analysis
By Ranjani Mazumdar
The film opens with television coverage of London announcing the theft of the Kohinoor. We move between TV screens with London’s landmark structures, and the cinematic rendering of the city. The disappearance of the Kohinoor operates like a media event that is captured through announcements across multiple TV screens. The credits of the film roll over this rapid intercutting between screens, London, and the narrative world of the film. Since London was never announced as one of the shooting locations for the film, stock footage of the city was probably used.
In the overall design of Bang Bang, an assortment of locations was used: Kullu, Manali, and Delhi in India, some in Abu Dhabi, and some in Europe. For one of its most popular songs and key moments in the development of the romance and action narrative, we are taken to Santorini in Greece and to Prague in the Czech Republic.
Santorini is a well-known Greek island with a set of unique features that have made it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The island is supposed to have emerged from a volcanic eruption and is also known for its unique architectural form—housing structures with textured white exteriors and blue domes. The paved pathways have their own charm, and the sun-drenched locations are perfect for romantic song sequences. But prior to the exploration of this island, the film presents a dramatic entry into Prague. Following a major action sequence, the two protagonists are shown asleep in a hotel room. Harleen wakes up and walks, literally, towards a window overlooking Prague’s Old Town. The sheer curtains and the breeze, combined with a slow track towards the window, stage the encounter as an exhilarating moment for Harleen as she saunters out to the balcony to get her full view. The camera tilts up to Prague’s Astronomical clock, located in the city’s Old Town Square. This tower, built in the 15th century, offers some of the most spectacular views from its elevated location. Harleen is joined by Rajveer on the balcony as he says, "Welcome to Prague." Harleen’s longstanding dream to travel is structured here literally as a postcard encounter with the city, and she speaks about how her simple life at home has suddenly turned into a movie full of action after meeting Rajveer.
Rajveer suggests they need to move quickly, and we get a few street views of Prague, an aerial view of the New Town’s red roofs, and then transition to the romantic song "Meherbaan," which takes us straight to Santorini through a combination of typical Mediterranean streets, the views of the Caldera River front, and the café with a sea view entry. These images of Santorini transition back to Prague and the Hotel Neruda, located near the Prague Castle and named after the Czech writer Jan Neruda. Known as the "Design Hotel," the space combines classical textures with modern interiors. Harleen is shown by a window of the hotel, soaking in the street view, and it is inside this hotel that we hear Rajveer refer to how good the sushi is in the hotel!
The Kampa island, the National Museum, and the Manes Bridge are some of the other sites used to stage conversations, some action, and just walking. Kampa is a popular island and picnic spot, known as a romantic destination with a variety of city views. The island exudes a sense of calm, is attractive for street walks, and is the location of a major museum of modern art. Kampa has often been referred to as the "Venice of Prague" because of the way the houses look out at the waterways. The island is also known for the aroma of coffee that emanates from its cafes. The opening of "Meherban" literally identifies a Segafrado coffee bar as the camera shows Rajveer and Harleen walking down a public staircase. Similarly, the film wanders toward the Máines Bridge for a major moment in the film. Harleen and Rajveer are walking across a parallel bridge, from where the view of the Maines Bridge appears dramatic at night. Unknown to Rajveer, Harleen is recording his voice, supposedly for the cops, who have conveyed to her that he is on the run with the Kohinoor. Suddenly, a tram goes by, and the Czech police rush to capture Rajveer. This night-time action takes place amid shots of Prague’s architectural splendour. Rajveer runs across and jumps into the water, then disappears. The camera again showcases a dramatic view of the bridge, with light reflecting in the water. Named after the Czech painter Joseph Máines, the bridge was opened in 1914 and then went through a series of renovations. The dramatic appearance of this 186-metre-long bridge is showcased as the final moment of the European segment of the film as we return to the mountain landscape of India, where Harleen resides.
Additional Information & Links
Tourism
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/baby-bang-bang-boost-tourism-in-abu-dhabi/
