How Ukraine became the go-to location for India’s blockbuster Hindi, Telugu and Tamil films

Before the war, Ukraine was a sought after destination for popular Indian filmmakers like S S Rajamouli, S Shankar and Neeraj Pandey

Many Indians feel an affinity with the Eastern European country as its landscapes have become familiar to them via the big screen

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Indian actors NT Rama Rao Jnr, left centre, and Ram Charan, right centre, stars of the Telugu-language period action drama film RRR. Photo: AFP

Published: 3:00pm, 17 Apr 2022Updated: 6:43pm, 17 Apr 2022

When Bindu Mohana Batta watched big budget Telugu-language epic RRR soon after its release last month, it upset her to see the scenes that had been filmed in Ukraine.

“Watching the movie made me sad that the place won’t be the same again,” said the lawyer from Hyderabad. “I am against unwarranted and unprovoked war.”

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, people across India have taken to the streets in protest. In early March, college students in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh state, held a march against the war, while at a rally in New Delhi that same month, the roads were filled with blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Sharath K Amin, owner of the Re-Cycle The Lounge restaurant in Mangalore, said he planned to watch RRR. He also removed the dish Russian salad – comprising vegetables and mayonnaise – from his menu following the outbreak of war as “we don’t support war and the killing of innocent people”.

“Our heart goes out to the people of Ukraine, and this gesture is to show our support to them,” he said.

India officially maintains a neutral stance on the war, but many Indians feel an affinity with the Eastern European country as its landscapes have become familiar to them over the years.

Indian actors (from left) NT Rama Rao Jnr, Alia Bhat and Ram Charan with director SS Rajamouli of Telugu-language period action drama film RRR. Photo: AFP

Ukraine was, until the invasion, becoming a favoured destination for popular Indian filmmakers such as S S Rajamouli – who directed RRR – S Shankar and Neeraj Pandey.

How Ukraine became the go-to location for India’s blockbuster Hindi, Telugu and Tamil films

Before the war, Ukraine was a sought after destination for popular Indian filmmakers like S S Rajamouli, S Shankar and Neeraj Pandey Many Indians feel an affinity with the Eastern European country as its landscapes have become familiar to them via the big screen

Before the war, Ukraine was a sought after destination for popular Indian filmmakers like S S Rajamouli, S Shankar and Neeraj Pandey

Many Indians feel an affinity with the Eastern European country as its landscapes have become familiar to them via the big screen