Varanasi’s timeless appeal shines brightest on the silver screen, even as Manikarnika Ghat stirs controversy between heritage advocates and state planners. This spiritual hub has been the canvas for hundreds of films, blending Bollywood romance with South Indian grandeur.
Aanand L. Rai’s ‘Raanjhanaa’ (2013) painted love in fiery hues. Sonam Kapoor and Dhanush romanced through Assi Ghat’s rituals and snaking alleys, embedding Banaras’ fervor into every frame.
Shifting to tragedy, ‘Masaan’ (2015) saw Neeraj Ghaywan immortalize Manikarnika’s funeral rites. Richa Chadha and Vicky Kaushal navigated loss and renewal, with the Ganga as silent witness to their struggles.
‘Mukti Bhawan’ (2016) offered a lighter touch. In Shubhashish Bhutiani’s gem, Adil Hussain checks into a death-waiting lodge by the ghats, mixing wit with wisdom on life’s fleeting nature.
Earlier, Pankaj Parashar’s ‘Banaras’ (2006) shrouded Urmila Matondkar’s love story in mysticism, filming at sacred temples and Kabir’s haunts to evoke Kashi’s enigmatic spirit.
Social satire arrived with ‘Mohalla Assi,’ where Chandra Prakash Dwivedi used local mohallas and ghats to dissect customs through powerful performances.
High-octane additions include ‘Brahmastra Part One: Shiva,’ amplifying Varanasi’s divinity for superhero flair. Anil Sharma’s ‘Vanvaas’ captured raw family bonds at Assi Ghat, starring Nana Patekar, while ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ danced rom-com magic across Godaulia and riverbanks.
Kashi’s streets whisper stories that no studio can fabricate, cementing its status as India’s premier cinematic pilgrimage site.