Bollywood has a long love affair with Madhya Pradesh. The state’s old-world charm and rich history have lured filmmakers for decades. From Raj Kapoor’s “Sri-420” in the 1950s to recent hits like “Stree,” MP’s towns keep stealing the spotlight. But one place stands out now—Chanderi.
Why Chanderi? Narrow Streets, Big Screens
Chanderi isn’t just about its famous sarees anymore. Its cobbled lanes and ancient forts have turned it into a film set favorite. The horror-comedy “Stree” put it on the map in 2018. Its sequel, “Stree 2,” doubled down last year, with nearly all scenes shot here. But it’s not just ghosts—romance and drama love Chanderi too.
- “Sui Dhaaga” (2018): Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma’s ode to Indian craftsmen.
- “Luka Chuppi” (2019): Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon’s quirky love story.
- “Wolf” (2022): A horror-comedy with Varun and Kriti again.
Even smaller films like the National Award-winning “Turtle” picked Chanderi for its raw, untouched vibe. Web series? They’re flocking here too, especially for stories tied to heritage or handicrafts.
From Film Sets to Tourist Spots
When movies shoot in hidden gems, those gems stop being hidden. Chanderi’s Raja Rani Mahal and Kati Ghati became Instagram hotspots after “Stree.” Tour guide Muzaffar Ansari says foot traffic jumped 50% post-filming. “People come asking for the temple from the movie,” he laughs. “They want selfies where the ghost walked.”
Hotels, Shops, and the Saree Boom
Tent City manager Vishnu Chaudhary confirms the spike. “After ‘Stree 2,’ bookings shot up. Heritage walks? Packed.” Local shops selling Chanderi sarees saw sales rise. Tour operators now offer “film tourism” packages—visit the exact spots where your favorite scenes were shot.
MP’s Other Star Locations
Chanderi isn’t the only town with a film credit. Madhya Pradesh’s playlist includes:
- Sehore: The web series “Panchayat” and classics like “Naya Daur.”
- Chambal: The rugged backdrop for “Bandit Queen” and “Paan Singh Tomar.”
- Bhopal/Gwalior: Seen in “Jab We Met,” “Ashoka,” and “Maqbool.”
Fun fact? Even a 1963 tragedy, “Mujhe Jeene Do,” was filmed in Chambal’s badlands. MP’s mix of history and wild landscapes keeps cameras rolling. And with streaming platforms digging into small-town stories, that list is only getting longer.