IN PICS: Opulent Bollywood Film Sets - Jodha Akbar To Bajirao Mastani

Moviemaking is an art; through the camera's lens, several important stories are brought to life. While narrating a tale, many aspects are taken care of - most importantly at times depending upon the screenplay huge sets are built and worked upon. These massive opulent sets transport the viewer to the reel world with a solid belief of reality. Today, let’s take a look at Bollywood films that featured some grand set designs:

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his master craft and massive set designs. One of the best examples of his grand vision is Bajirao Mastani, featuring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles. The film was a huge hit and its beautiful film sets were created by the expert team, keeping the aesthetic taste of the movie and the filmmaker in mind.

Set in the 1980s and 90s in Gujarat, the makers of Raees constructed massive sets resembling the old city in Mumbai’s Film City. Every detail, from houses and buildings to shops and the attire of people, was meticulously designed to reflect the era and lend authenticity to the film.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is one of the most expensive films ever made in India. The Royal Palace, claimed to be the biggest set ever built, was created specially for the film. It featured a massive Rajasthani fort, including an iconic Sheesh Mahal constructed for a particular scene. Lighting played a crucial role in the set design, with the budget for illumination alone estimated at Rs. 13-15 crores for the 258-day shoot schedule.

Jodha Akbar was a visual masterpiece that transported viewers back in time, vividly bringing the grandeur of a bygone era to life. To recreate the majestic lifestyle of the Mughal Emperors, massive sets were constructed in Karjat, where much of the filming took place. Lavish forts with intricately designed chambers and sprawling gardens complete with fountains were meticulously crafted, adding authenticity and splendor to the narrative.

 

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s The Delhi Files aims to recreate Kolkata from the 90s. A massive set, spread across 7-8 acres, has been built on Madh Island, Mumbai. This ambitious creation showcases the grandeur the film promises to bring to the screen.

Set in the 1960s, before Bombay transformed into modern-day Mumbai, Bombay Velvet required the city to look as it did during that time. From buildings to interiors, and even small details like signage and décor, everything was built from scratch. The sets took 11 months to complete and were a significant factor in the film's massive budget.