Top 13 Bollywood Movies shot in Varanasi

Kashi has long been a muse for filmmakers seeking its undying charm, colorful ghats, and profound cultural background. From the bustling lanes of Godowlia to the serene banks of the Ganges, the metropolis’s airy beauty has graced the silver display in countless Bollywood films. Whether or not it’s the passionate romance of Raanjhanaa, the gritty realism of Masaan, or the magical appeal of Brahmāstra, Varanasi has played a pivotal role in shaping these cinematic masterpieces. For locals and travelers alike, exploring Bollywood films shot in Varanasi offers a unique way to rediscover the city’s magic. Be a part of us as we take you on an adventure via the long-lasting films that have immortalized Varanasi’s soul on celluloid.

Best Bollywood Movies shot in Varanasi

1. Raanjhanaa (2013)

A passionate but toxic love story where Kundan (Dhanush), a Brahmin boy, obsessively pursues Zoya (Sonam Kapoor), a Muslim girl, across years, navigating caste divides and political turmoil in Varanasi. Themes of obsession, redemption, and societal conflict unfold against the city’s ghats and lanes.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Dashashwamedh Ghat, narrow lanes near Vishwanath Temple.
• Star Cast: Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tip: Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat at dawn to relive Kundan’s iconic boat scene, followed by breakfast at Kachori Gali.

2. Masaan (2015)

Two parallel narratives—a low-caste girl grappling with a scandal after a hotel raid and a young boy mourning his lover’s death—intertwine at Manikarnika Ghat. The film explores grief, caste oppression, and hope in the shadow of the Ganges.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Manikarnika Ghat, Ramnagar Fort.
• Star Cast: Richa Chadha, Vicky Kaushal, Sanjay Mishra.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tip: Respect local customs while visiting Manikarnika; opt for a guided tour to understand its significance.

3. Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022)

A DJ named Shiva (Ranbir Kapoor) discovers his ancient connection to a mystical fire weapon tied to Varanasi’s spiritual energy. A fantasy-adventure blending mythology and modern-day battles to protect the city’s sacred legacy.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Rajendra Prasad Ghat.
• Star Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tip: Attend the evening Ganga Aarti for a surreal experience akin to the film’s climactic scenes.

4. Mukti Bhawan (2016)

A 77-year-old man drags his reluctant son to Varanasi’s “salvation hostel” to die and attain moksha. Their strained relationship evolves as they confront mortality, family duty, and the city’s role in life’s final journey.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Hotel Mukti Bhawan (a real-life salvation hostel), Tulsi Ghat.
• Star Cast: Adil Hussain, Lalit Behl, Geetanjali Kulkarni.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tip: Reflect on life’s impermanence with a quiet evening walk at Tulsi Ghat.

5. Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007)

A middle-class woman (Rani Mukerji) turns to sex work in Mumbai to save her family but returns to Varanasi seeking redemption. The city symbolizes her struggle between sacrifice and societal judgment.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Assi Ghat, Panchganga Ghat.
• Star Cast: Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tip: Stroll along Assi Ghat’s quieter stretches to absorb its introspective vibe.

6. Ghatak (1996)

A vengeful martial artist (Sunny Deol) arrives in Varanasi to avenge his father’s death, battling a local don. The city’s ghats and temples frame this action-packed tale of honor and retribution.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and the iconic lanes near Vishwanath Temple.
• Star Cast: Sunny Deol, Meenakshi Seshadri, Danny Denzongpa, and Amrish Puri.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tips: Recreate Sunny Deol’s iconic fight scenes by visiting Dashashwamedh Ghat during the lively evening Aarti.

7. Mohalla Assi (2018)

A Sanskrit scholar (Sunny Deol) resists the commercialization of Varanasi’s Assi Ghat, fighting to preserve its cultural soul. A satire on tourism, globalization, and fading traditions in the holy city.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Assi Ghat, local markets.
• Star Cast: Sunny Deol, Sakshi Tanwar.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tip: Explore Assi Ghat’s street markets for handicrafts and chaat.

8. Bholaa (2023)

A prisoner (Ajay Devgn) escorts a cop through Varanasi’s chaos to rescue his daughter from traffickers. A high-octane action thriller showcasing the city’s labyrinthine alleys as both a maze and a battleground.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Godowlia Chowk, and the bustling streets of Varanasi.
• Star Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Deepak Dobriyal, and Sanjay Mishra.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tips: Walk through Godowlia Chowk to experience the vibrant energy depicted in the film.

9. The Last Color (2019)

A 9-year-old flower seller befriends a marginalized widow in Varanasi, defying a ban on widows playing Holi. A poignant tale of friendship, resilience, and reclaiming joy amid societal taboos.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Cremation ghats, vibrant Holi festivities in old Varanasi.
• Star Cast: Neela Gupta, Rudrani Chettri.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tip: Experience Holi in Varanasi for the same burst of color depicted in the film.

10. Banaras (2006)

A woman (Urmila Matondkar) returns to Varanasi after a traumatic past, seeking answers about her birth and healing through spirituality. Mysticism and self-discovery drive this emotional drama.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and the serene banks of the Ganges.
• Star Cast: Urmila Matondkar, Ashmit Patel, Dimple Kapadia, and Raj Babbar.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tips: Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat for a spiritual experience reminiscent of the film.

11. Isaaq (2013)

A modern-day Romeo-Juliet romance set in Varanasi, where a Brahmin boy and a Muslim girl face violent caste opposition. Their love becomes a rebellion against the city’s entrenched prejudices.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Old city lanes, Bengali Tola.
• Star Cast: Prateik Babbar, Amyra Dastur.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tip: Wander through Bengali Tola to admire heritage homes and silk weavers.

12. Kaashi (2016)

A blind man (Sharman Joshi) arrives in Varanasi to uncover his brother’s mysterious death, unraveling a web of corruption linked to the city’s underworld. A noir thriller steeped in local myths and moral gray zones.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and the narrow alleys of Varanasi.
• Star Cast: Sharman Joshi, Shubhangi Latkar, Virendra Saxena, and Mukesh Tiwari.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tips: Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience its spiritual aura.

13. Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain (2018)

An elderly couple in Varanasi enroll in an English class to rekindle their love, blending humor and tenderness. The film mirrors the city’s clash between tradition and modernity through their journey.

Movie Details:

• Shooting Locations: Narrow alleys near Godowlia, local tea stalls.
• Star Cast: Sanjay Mishra, Ekavali Khanna.
• Trailer Link: Watch Here
• Tip: Sip chai at a roadside stall while people-watching—a favorite pastime here.

Conclusion

From the fiery intensity of Ghatak to the religious introspection of Mukti Bhawan, Varanasi’s cinematic legacy is as diverse as its cultural tapestry. Those Bollywood films shot in Varanasi no longer handiest show off the town’s stunning landscapes however also spotlight its deep-rooted traditions and undying charm. Whether you’re a film buff or a curious traveller, exploring those iconic capturing locations offers a sparkling angle at the city you name home.

Equipped to stroll within the footsteps of Bollywood stars and experience Varanasi like never earlier than? Let Baranasi Trip manual you thru those cinematic trails. From personalised excursions to exclusive insights, we’ll help you discover the memories behind every frame.