From 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' to 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani': Bollywood's visual journey across the globe

This friendship story also served as a dazzling travel brochure for Spain. Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol's trip was filled with sunny vineyards, sleepy coastal towns, and an adventure junkies dream! The Tomatina Festival scene complemented the title of the film, while the scuba diving in Costa Brava exuded soul. Spain, with all its culture, decadent parties, and lush landscapes, became as important to the film as did the heartwarming story.

If there was ever a film to make wanderlust chic, it was this one. From Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone wandering the snow-laden mountains of Manali, to Deepika's independent single girl escapade in Paris, the film was charming in every frame. Wrapped in Indian tradition, the wedding in Udaipur was equally grand; we couldn't help but feel the sumptuousness of Indian royalty. Each city was reflective of the character's relationships developing or decaying in their life journey.

The film that changed love for an entire generation also turned Switzerland into the 'dream destination' for several couples. The film combined Indian culture with European charm, from the mustard fields of Punjab to the unspoiled Swiss Alps. The train rides and romantic walks of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in picturesque locales inspired the Indian cinema's fascination with foreign locations and travel, a trend that has continued in similar storylines ever since.

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone's unconventional love story began on the stunning island of Corsica. The azure waters, cobbled streets, and Mediterranean feel created a fantastical vibe, almost fairy tale-like. Corsica was not just a backdrop—it represented spontaneity, freedom, and the unexplained magic of living in the moment. The French country beautifully represented the wonderful yet complicated dimensions of their relationship.

Kangana Ranaut enriching solo honeymoon journey gave audiences an empowering visual spectacle. Paris displayed its timeless beauty through the Eiffel Tower and quiet cafés, while Amsterdam contributed to the visual experience through colorful canals, vibrant nightlife, and joie de vivre. These locations in the film were not mere tourist locations—they served as metaphors for Rani's transformation into an independent woman who had learned to embrace life and live it on her own.

This cult classic not only told a story; it changed youth culture in India. The iconic scene with Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna sitting against the sea at Fort Aguada is forever sealed in cinematic history as Goa epitomized friendship goals. The Australian parts of the film, featuring the Opera House and Bondi Beach, showcased the urban sophistication and sense of freedom. The film put both places on the global Bollywood map and inspired countless youth trips to Goa in real life.

This family saga took opulence to another level. London’s mansions and famous landmarks made the perfect opulent backdrop for the Raichand family's story, while at the same time giving the city a character of its own. The song 'Suraj Hua Maddham', where we see the pyramids and deserts of Egypt, gave a mythical aura to romance. These images fit perfectly with the film’s storyline themes of love, separation, and reunion.

In contrast to the majority of Bollywood films with extensive travel, 'Highway' remained within the borders of India, while appearing 'global' in visual language. From the snowy mountains of Kashmir to the shaded fields of Punjab to the colorful spaces of Rajasthan, each location was a different layer of the emotional journey of Alia Bhatt's character. Imtiaz Ali used those roads and terrains to represent liberation, pain, and finding one's self both literally and metaphorically.

This action-comedy brought the cultural richness of South India alive on screen. From the lush backwaters of Kerala to the temples in Tamil Nadu, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone had an adventurous quest filled with plenty of humor, color, and tradition. The beauty of the places they visited brought warmth and authenticity to the story, making the physical journey just as enjoyable as the comedic aspects.

This film, a heartfelt drama of romance and yearning, made the review process nostalgic with its old-world charm. Darjeeling, with its quaint toy trains and hills with monsoons, poetically encapsulated the romantic innocence of the characters played by Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. Indeed, the colonial architecture and narrow lanes of Kolkata provided the right charm for this fashionably timeless film that spoke loudly in silence, emotionally. The cities acted as characters, honing in on the cultural story of the film, while also providing visual beauty for the audience's interpretation.