(From top): Korea is replete with scenic spots making it a filmmaker’s dream location; Mahesh Bhatt (extreme left) with the cast of Gangster and Korean officials in Korea; the Haruru Falls in New Zealand

Remember Raj Kapoor’s Sangam? It was a rare big-budget extravaganza shot extensively in exotic foreign locales. In those days getting a crew out of India was a costly, complicated affair and only a handful of the biggest and bravest directors attempted it.

Today the world has become a smaller place and Indians are travelling more than ever before. And Bollywood’s top directors are stepping up the hunt for new places that will wow audiences. Obviously, they’ve got to get there before the tourist hordes. But one thing is certain: where Bollywood goes, the Indian tourist is sure to follow. So, here’s a look at some of the newest locations for fresh-out-of-the-can Hindi movies.

Korea

There aren’t that many Indians who’ve been to Korea, but it’s a hot favourite for Vishesh Films owned by Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt. They love both its culture and its scenic beauty. The fact that its people are ready to welcome you into their world inspired the Bhatt family to shoot their latest film Gangster in Korea. The movie, on the life of Abu Salem played by Shiney Ahuja is the first Indian film to be shot there.

The film was shot in and around Seoul and neighbouring Jeju, and has some breath-takingly scenic shots. Seoul has spots like the Gyeongbokgung palace, the War Memorial and Jogyesa Buddhist Temple that are worth visiting. Jeju Island is Korea’s biggest island off the South Coast. It has many tourist sights and is surrounded by an extinct volcano.

The Korean Tourism Organisation (KTO) is offering special deals for filmmakers who want to shoot in Korea. Says KTO director, Hyo Sik Jeon, “The Indian film industry is the largest in the world in terms of number of films produced and released each year. In view of its wide reach, KTO intends to showcase its tourist attractions to highlight Korea’s diversity.”

The basic KTO 3-night 4-day package costs about Rs 60,000 and includes airfare, star category budget hotel, breakfast and sightseeing to Seoul. It’s too early to say that more Indians are travelling to Korea because of Gangster but KTO is hoping that tourism will pick up by 2006 end. Says Mahesh Bhatt, “Globalisation does not only mean Westernisation but also a link with Eastern countries. I’m glad to shoot in Korea as it has lots of potential for Indian and international tourists.”

New Zealand

Ever since Lord of the Rings there has been a rush to this wonderfully scenic country. Two big Hollywood blockbusters were shot here recently ? King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia And since 1999, nearly 100 movies have been shot here.

Amongst the prominent Bollywood movies shot here are Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein and Mein Prem Ki Deewani Hoon. Auckland’s west coast is probably top of the charts for filmmakers. The natural assets of Auckland have made it a dream destination for all kinds of travellers. Some other places of interest are the Waitakere Ranges (Auckland’s largest national park), the beaches of Whatipu, Karekare, Piha and Muriwai, and the Great Barrier Island.

The outbound tourism figures from India to New Zealand have seen a whopping 150 per cent increase since 1999, when Kaho Na Pyaar Hai was released. The figures rose from about 6,000 in 1999 to over 17,000 in 2005. Says Kiran Nambiar, country manager, New Zealand Tourism, “Though we cannot attribute the entire increase to films, they’ve played a major role in this rise.”

To reach out to domestic tourists, Tourism New Zealand undertakes promotions through the Internet, television and retails outlets. Also special package tours are on offer to visit the locations where the films have been shot. The packages cost about Rs 1 lakh to 1.2 lakh per head (10-12 days), including the airfare.

Switzerland

This country has been the top favourite for decades. It has always mesmerised tourists and filmmakers. Lots of scenes have been shot here and, of course, there are also the song-and-dance sequences which work out just right in the snow with the Alps just behind. Switzerland was a top favourite with Yash Chopra who presented this place wonderfully in films like Chandni, Lamhe, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Veer-Zaara. There’s even a lake in Switzerland that has been named Chopra Lake.

Besides the Alps, Switzerland has plenty to offer. There are natural lakes, lush meadows and vineyards and brooding forests. Also, it’s very easy to get permission to shoot.

In 2003, the Consulate General of Switzerland and Switzerland Tourism launched a handbook, Switzerland Movie Star, offering information on all practical aspects of shooting a film in Switzerland.

In the last one year there’s been a 15 per cent increase in the number of requests to go to places like Australia, New Zealand, Seychelles and even Switzerland. Says Ashutosh Akshikar, travel business head, Thomas Cook India, “Movies have certainly been a strong force in creating an awareness in Indian tourists to venture to these places.”