Movie & TV Filming Locations in Chennai, India
1. Marina Beach
Marina Beach is a popular filming location due to its long stretch of sandy shores and vibrant atmosphere. Many Tamil movies have captured its scenic beauty, especially during sunrise and sunset. It offers a perfect backdrop for romantic and dramatic scenes.
- Length: One of the longest urban beaches in the world.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from various parts of Chennai.
- Crowd: Bustling with locals and tourists, adding to the lively setting.
- Sunrise Views: Offers stunning sunrise views, ideal for filming.
2. MGR Film City
MGR Film City is a dedicated space for movie shoots, featuring diverse sets and backdrops. It provides filmmakers with ready-to-use locations, saving time and effort in set construction. The facility is named after the famous Tamil actor and politician M.G. Ramachandran.
- Variety of Sets: Includes different themed sets for versatile filming needs.
- Professional Facilities: Equipped with modern amenities for film production.
- Historical Significance: Named after a legendary figure in Tamil cinema.
- Location: Conveniently located within Chennai city limits.
3. Besant Nagar Beach
Besant Nagar Beach, also known as Elliot's Beach, is a quieter alternative to Marina Beach. It is often chosen for its serene environment and less crowded shores, making it ideal for intimate scenes. The beach is a favorite for both filmmakers and locals seeking tranquility.
- Tranquility: Offers a peaceful setting compared to other city beaches.
- Local Culture: Surrounded by vibrant local eateries and shops.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by public transport.
- Sunset Views: Known for beautiful sunset views, perfect for filming.
4. VGP Universal Kingdom
VGP Universal Kingdom is an amusement park that doubles as a filming location with its unique attractions and themed areas. It provides a fun and colorful backdrop for family-friendly and adventure scenes. The park's diverse settings offer filmmakers a variety of options in one location.
- Themed Areas: Features different themes suitable for various film genres.
- Attractions: Includes rides and attractions that add excitement to scenes.
- Family-Friendly: Ideal for shooting family-oriented films.
- Location: Situated on the East Coast Road, easily accessible.
5. DakshinaChitra
DakshinaChitra is a heritage museum showcasing South Indian culture and architecture, often used for period films. Its authentic traditional houses and artifacts provide a genuine historical setting. The museum is a favorite for filmmakers looking to depict cultural richness.
- Cultural Authenticity: Offers genuine South Indian cultural settings.
- Architectural Variety: Features traditional houses from different South Indian states.
- Educational Value: Provides insights into South Indian heritage.
- Scenic Location: Located on the scenic East Coast Road.
6. Chennai Central Railway Station
Chennai Central Railway Station is an iconic landmark often featured in films for its grandeur and bustling activity. Its colonial architecture and historical significance make it a popular choice for dramatic and action scenes. The station is a symbol of Chennai's connectivity and heritage.
- Architectural Grandeur: Features impressive colonial-era architecture.
- Historical Importance: A key landmark in Chennai's history and development.
- Busy Atmosphere: Provides a lively and dynamic setting for films.
- Connectivity: Central hub for trains, enhancing logistical convenience.
7. Anna University
Anna University, with its sprawling campus and modern architecture, is a favored location for educational and youth-centric films. The university's lush greenery and contemporary buildings offer a fresh and vibrant backdrop. It is often used to depict college life and youthful energy.
- Modern Architecture: Features contemporary buildings suitable for modern films.
- Campus Size: Large campus with diverse filming spots.
- Youthful Vibe: Ideal for films focusing on college life and youth.
- Greenery: Lush green surroundings enhance visual appeal.
8. Santhome Cathedral Basilica
Santhome Cathedral Basilica is a historic church known for its stunning Gothic architecture. It is often chosen for its spiritual ambiance and architectural beauty, making it suitable for both historical and contemporary films. The church is a significant religious site in Chennai.
- Gothic Architecture: Features beautiful Gothic-style design.
- Religious Significance: A major religious landmark in Chennai.
- Spiritual Ambiance: Offers a serene and spiritual setting for films.
- Historical Value: Rich in history, adding depth to film narratives.
9. Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. It provides a majestic and historical backdrop, perfect for epic and period films. The site is renowned for its intricate carvings and historical significance.
- UNESCO Heritage: Recognized as a World Heritage site for its cultural value.
- Ancient Architecture: Features rock-cut temples and sculptures.
- Historical Significance: Rich in history, ideal for period films.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.
10. Fort St. George
Fort St. George is a historic fort that serves as a filming location for its colonial architecture and military history. It is often used in films depicting British colonial times and has a museum showcasing artifacts from that era. The fort is a symbol of Chennai's colonial past.
- Colonial Architecture: Features architecture from the British colonial period.
- Military History: Houses a museum with military artifacts.
- Historical Significance: A key site in Chennai's colonial history.
- Location: Situated in the heart of Chennai, easily accessible.