Big screen glory for Uttarakhand’s picturesque locations in ‘Raag Desh’

Several picturesque locations of Uttarakhand, including the majestic British era Forest Research Institute (FRI) building, will feature on the Bollywood film ‘Raag

Several picturesque locations of Uttarakhand, including the majestic British era Forest Research Institute (FRI) building, will feature on the Bollywood film ‘Raag Desh’ that releases on July 28.

A scene of film Raag Desh being shot at FRI in Dehradun. (HT Photo)

The film that depicts India’s freedom struggle under Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was shot for about a month at locations in and around Dehradun in November last year. It is based on the famous Red Fort trials of the Indian National Army officers -- Colonel Prem Sehgal, Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon and Major General Shah Nawaz Khan.

The film also has another connection with Uttarakhand: it is directed by filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia who hails from the hill state.

“Over 60% of the film shooting took place in Uttarakhand at locations like FRI, Maldevta, Dakra, Sahastradhara, Suddhowala, Rajpur and Raipur. In fact, over 200 locals got a chance to play small roles in the film,” Abhinav Thapar, who helped with the Uttarakhand leg of the film’s production, told Hindustan Times.

“The movie, which is based on real events, will not only give a rich glimpse of the state to cine goers around the country but will also give a boost to tourism and film business in Uttarakhand,” said Thapar, who has essayed the role of a general in the film.

Produced by Rajya Sabha TV, the film features actors Kunal Kapoor, Amit Sadh and Mohit Marwah. It became the first film trailer to be launched inside Parliament and was also recently screened for former President Pranab Mukherjee. “A proposal has also been sent to the Centre for making it tax-free in Uttarakhand,” Thapar said.