Coolie: A Location Hopping Romp Through India
The 1983 Bollywood smash hit, Coolie, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor, isn't just a hilarious comedy with unforgettable songs; it's also a fascinating travelogue across India. Today, on sceneloc8.com, we journeyed through these filming locations, uncovering the stories behind each scene!
Bangalore City Railway Station (KSR Bengaluru City Junction) & Cubbon Park:
Remember the bustling scenes where Iqbal, the coolie played by Amitabh Bachchan, works and resides? Those were filmed outside of Mumbai, as you might expect. Instead, the filmmakers cleverly recreated the railway environment at the Bangalore City Railway Station (now known as KSR Bengaluru City Junction). Look out for the Kannada signage – a subtle nod to the filming location!
But Bangalore wasn’t all train tracks for Coolie. The playful and vibrant song “Lambooji Tinguji” was filmed at the serene Cubbon Park. This sprawling botanical garden, known for its lush greenery and historical landmarks, provided a beautiful backdrop for Amitabh Bachchan and Shoma Kapoor’s on-screen romance to blossom.
Ramanagara Hills & The Dodda Alada Mara:
The film’s breathtaking outdoor sequences weren’t just a product of studio magic. The scenic Ramanagara Hills, a popular shooting location known for its dramatic granite rock formations, was a backdrop for some scenes. Imagine the playful banter between Amitabh Bachchan and his co-stars unfolding against this awe-inspiring natural canvas.
Adding another layer of intrigue, the iconic song “Accident Ho Gaya” was filmed near Ramanagara Hills, at The Dodda Alada Mara, translating to “Big Banyan Tree.” This ancient and massive banyan tree is a revered local landmark, and its presence in the song adds a touch of wonder to the sequence.
Filmcity Studios (Mumbai), Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Hospital & Nandi Hills (Possible Locations):
For grand sets and larger-than-life scenes, Coolie relied on the studio magic of Mumbai. Filmcity Studios is a likely contender for these expansive outdoor scenes. Unfortunately, pinpointing specific scenes to this studio is difficult, but it played a significant role in bringing the film’s grand vision to life.
The film also ventured beyond purpose-built sets. The iconic scene where Amitabh Bachchan’s character recuperates after an accident was likely filmed at the Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Hospital (identification based on available information). This adds a layer of realism to the narrative.
The filmmakers might have ventured to Nandi Hills, a popular hill station near Bangalore, for some panoramic and picturesque visuals. While specific scenes linked to this location are unknown, the beauty of Nandi Hills makes it a strong contender for some of the film’s outdoor scenes.
Bombay Port Trust & Haji Ali Dargah:
The emotional scene depicting the pilgrimage to Haj was filmed not in the holy city of Mecca but at the Bombay Port Trust (now Mumbai Port Trust). This resourceful use of a local landmark added a touch of authenticity to the scene.
The dramatic climax of the film, where Amitabh Bachchan’s character is shot, was filmed at the Haji Ali Dargah, a revered Sufi shrine located on an islet off the coast of Mumbai. This unexpected location choice adds a layer of symbolism and intrigue to the showdown.
Bonus Trivia: Due to a fight scene mishap during filming, Amitabh Bachchan suffered a near-fatal injury. Incredibly, the scene, with a slight freeze-frame, is still in the final cut!
So, the next time you watch Coolie, keep an eye out for these details and see if you can spot the essence of each location within the frames! Let us know in the comments below if you’ve ever visited any of these filming locations or if you have any other interesting trivia about Coolie!