Varanasi, the ancient city of Shiva, has long captivated filmmakers with its mesmerizing blend of spirituality, vibrant streets, and profound life-death duality. Even as the iconic Manikarnika Ghat faces controversy over preservation versus development, its allure for Bollywood and beyond remains undimmed. Hundreds of films have been shot here, turning Kashi into a character in its own right.
The 2013 romantic drama ‘Raanjhanaa,’ directed by Aanand L. Rai, immortalized the city’s narrow lanes and Assi Ghat. Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor’s passionate love story unfolded against the backdrop of Ganga Aarti, capturing Banaras’ raw energy and unbridled romance. The film’s soul was undeniably woven into the city’s pulsating rhythm.
Neeraj Ghaywan’s poignant ‘Masaan’ (2015) delved deep into Kashi’s underbelly at Manikarnika Ghat. Vicky Kaushal and Richa Chadha portrayed tales of caste, grief, love, and redemption amid funeral pyres, making the ghat a symbol of raw human emotion.
Shubhashish Bhutiani’s ‘Mukti Bhawan’ (2016) brought dark humor to the forefront. Adil Hussain stars in this story of a family awaiting death at a ‘salvation hotel’ near the ghats. The film’s mix of comedy and pathos perfectly mirrored Varanasi’s philosophical ethos on mortality.
Pankaj Parashar’s ‘Banaras’ (2006) wove mystery and spirituality around Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kabir Ashram. Urmila Matondkar’s enigmatic role highlighted the city’s mystical aura, where love transcends the veil between worlds.
Chandra Prakash Dwivedi’s ‘Mohalla Assi’ exposed social realities through Sunny Deol and Sakshi Tanwar, filmed at Assi Ghat chai stalls, critiquing tradition and modernity.
Recent blockbusters like Ayan Mukerji’s ‘Brahmastra Part One: Shiva’ harnessed Varanasi’s grandeur for epic sequences. Anil Sharma’s ‘Vanvaas’ with Nana Patekar shot emotional family drama along the Ganga, while Karan Sharma’s ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ infused rom-com fantasy into colorful alleys like Godaulia Chowk.
From intimate dramas to grand spectacles, Varanasi’s ghats, temples, and bylanes continue to inspire, proving why this eternal city is cinema’s timeless muse.