How Abu Dhabi Became Lucknow in Bollywood Action Movie Vikram Veda

Bollywood Movies Vikram Veda Released in cinemas in the UAE, and while its stars received rave reviews, many fans may not be aware that Abu Dhabi is also starring in the film.

Scroll through the gallery above for stills from “The Vikram Veda”

The UAE capital is based in the historic city of Lucknow, where much of the film’s action was filmed. Vivek Agrawal, a producer at Reliance Entertainment Studios, explained how the film originally began filming in April or May last year, when the deadly second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic hit India, preventing filming in the country.

After considering several options from around the world including Sri Lanka, Serbia and Georgia, the producers decided to shoot the film in the UAE to recreate the city of Lucknow on the twofour54 location in Kizad, Abu Dhabi.

With its low infection rate and Double Four 54 and Abu Dhabi Film CommissionAgrawal said the task of filming the film — sourcing 2,500 extras from the local Indian population, as well as procuring props to recreate the market — was made simple in Abu Dhabi.

“Between Abu Dhabi Film Commission and twofour54, they were very well set up in terms of process to facilitate the filming. It was very easy to understand, it was very clearly listed on their website and the people who deal with all aspects there — — It’s pretty simple, whether it’s the location, the staff, the equipment,” Agrawal said.

“This experience allowed me to see the extension of India.”

Hans Fraikin of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission also revealed that the film’s roughly one-hour screening time was shot in the UAE capital – including some of the most important scenes, including the Al Wathba water reserve .

Of all Bollywood films shot in the UAE, Fraikan said, Vikram Veda Featuring the largest chunk of footage in Abu Dhabi.

Vikram Veda Saif Ali Khan plays Officer Vikram and Hrithik Roshan plays his rival Veda. It’s a Bollywood remake of the 2017 Tamil film of the same name, based on India’s Vikram and Bertar saga.

Updated: September 30, 2022 12:18 PM