Bollywood’s Regal Retreats: Iconic Movies Shot at Udaipur’s Five-Star Properties

Last Updated:February 24, 2025, 20:23 IST

Udaipur’s luxurious hotels and royal palaces offer filmmakers a unique blend of history and elegance, making the city a go-to destination for shoots that demand grandeur

Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, is not only a popular tourist destination but also a hotspot for filmmakers seeking opulence and grandeur. The city’s regal palaces, beautiful lakes, and picturesque landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for movies that demand a luxurious setting. Many of India’s biggest hits have found a home in Udaipur’s lavish five-star properties, which blend heritage, luxury, and scenic beauty. Below are some of the most iconic films shot in Udaipur’s high-end hotels and resorts.

1. Khel Khel Mein (1975) – Radisson Blu Udaipur Resorts and SpaKhel Khel Mein (2024) – Radisson Blu Udaipur Resorts and SpaThe recently released Bollywood film Khel Khel Mein (2024), starring Akshay Kumar, brought a thrilling and entertaining storyline to the big screen. One of the notable filming locations was Radisson Blu Udaipur Resorts and Spa, a luxurious property that offers breathtaking views of Lake Fatehsagar. The hotel’s exquisite blend of traditional Rajasthani architecture and modern amenities provided the perfect backdrop for key sequences, adding grandeur and authenticity to the film.Radisson Blu Udaipur continues to be a preferred destination for filmmakers, offering a picturesque setting that complements cinematic storytelling.
2. Octopussy (1983) – The Lake Palace HotelUdaipur became famous worldwide when Octopussy, the James Bond film, showcased the majestic Lake Palace Hotel. Filming took place on the pristine waters of Lake Pichola, with the palace’s grandeur serving as the ideal setting for a Bond adventure. The beautiful white marble structure, surrounded by water, remains a popular tourist attraction thanks to its prominent appearance in the movie.
3. Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) – Fateh Garh UdaipurSanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram-Leela was known for its vibrant colors and larger-than-life sets. Fateh Garh, perched atop a hill with sweeping views of Udaipur, perfectly captured the film’s intense emotions and dramatic flair. The sprawling property, with its Rajasthani architecture and spectacular sunset views, became an important backdrop in the film’s narrative, adding depth to its royal setting.
4. Shuddh Desi Romance (2013) – The Oberoi UdaivilasThis romantic comedy, starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Parineeti Chopra, featured several scenes shot at The Oberoi Udaivilas, one of Udaipur’s most iconic hotels. With its stunning courtyards, beautiful gardens, and spectacular views of Lake Pichola, Udaivilas set the perfect romantic mood for the movie. The grandeur of the hotel brought a sense of elegance that matched the love story unfolding on screen.
5. Bajirao Mastani (2015) – City Palace UdaipurSanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani was a lavish historical epic that needed grand, regal settings to depict the royal courts and palaces of the Maratha Empire. Some of the film’s key scenes were shot at Udaipur’s City Palace, which provided the historical aura and majestic feel required for the period drama. The intricately designed courtyards and the panoramic view of Lake Pichola from the palace created an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Udaipur’s luxurious hotels and royal palaces offer filmmakers a unique blend of history and elegance, making the city a go-to destination for shoots that demand grandeur. Whether it’s a romantic drama, a James Bond thriller, or an epic historical saga, Udaipur’s five-star properties continue to play a starring role in bringing cinematic visions to life.