From real to reel: ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ rediscovers Orchha’s hidden gems

The success of Bhool Bhulaiya 3, a multi-starrer Hindi film released recently that was partly shot at Jahangir Mahal, a little-known 17th century heritage marvel in western Madhya Pradesh, has put Orchha back on India’s tourism trail.

Situated along the Jhansi-Khajuraho Road in Madhya Pradesh, about 120 km south of Gwalior, Orchha is a hidden gem that has recently gained prominence on both national and international tourism maps, thanks to Bhool Bhulaiya 3, a successful Hindi film released recently.

Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architectural marvels, the city is home to the iconic Jahangir Mahal, a three-storied palace crafted from red and yellow sandstone, which was built between 1605 and 1626 by Raja Bir Singh Deo, in honour of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.

In October, with the festival of lights Diwali drawing near, filmmakers always try to cash on this optimistic period. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the much-anticipated horror-comedy sequel hit theatres, during the Diwali weekend. Capitalising on the festive mood, this Kartik Aaryan-starrer film, directed by Anees Bazmee, managed to earn INR 4.17 billion, cementing its status as a box-office hit.

Though it had a big star cast, but in many ways, the biggest star of Bazmee’s film was the three-storied Jahangir Mahal, crafted from warm red and yellow sandstone as it played a central part in the film, as it was the setting of the main plot!

Brief Snapshot of Jahangir Mahal

Facing River Betwa, this palace was constructed to mark the first visit of Emperor Jahangir to Orchcha. It is a square building, constructed around a courtyard, with each side measuring 67.6 metres. Its open courtyards allow abundant light and airflow into the interior palace.

This monument serves as a prime example of Indo-Islamic architecture, harmoniously blending elements from both Hindu and Islamic traditions. This fusion is evident in its domes, rooms, entrance gates, terraces, and corridors. Covering a vast area, this percy brown structure rises into an imposing rectangular mass, supporting eight elegant domes, that enhance its grandeur.

The ageing of the monument and its numerous rooms, doors and windows all opening on a central courtyard lend it to be an excellent site for film shooting, especially of period films or horror.

Impact on monument after film’s release

After the release of the film, there was a significant positive impact on the number of tourists. According to Hemant Goswami, a 40 year old registered guide of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, with over 18 years of experience, footfall to this palace has increased by 5–10 pc.

This growth is noteworthy for Madhya Pradesh’s hidden gem, which, before the pandemic, received around 150,000 tourists annually. There has also been a significant boom in foreign visitors to the city.

“There is a boom in domestic tourism, with inbound visitors from across India. Foreigners are also arriving in large numbers. From January to April, we have seen many bookings from foreign tourists. There is also a book in England called 50 Places to See before You Die, which features only two places from India, and Orchha is one of them,” Goswami tells Media India Group.

However, he also emphasises that the surge in tourism to Orchha cannot solely be attributed to the film, but is significantly bolstered by the proactive efforts of the state government in promoting the destination.

Meanwhile, the MP Tourism Board has prepared a comprehensive dossier for the site to be recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site. The proposal was recently approved by the Indian government for 2027-28. If granted, this title will significantly boost both national and international tourism. Hence, consequently stimulating the local economy.

Filmmakers make a beeline for Orchha

In recent years, Madhya Pradesh has leveraged its diverse landscapes and rich heritage to promote film tourism. It has devised strategic measures like a single-window system for permissions and a 40 pc discount for film crews at hotels operated by the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC). These initiatives aim to attract filmmakers while boosting tourism and showcasing the region’s cultural and natural treasures.

Thanks to these efforts, Orchha has earned a prominent spot for heritage tourism and filmmaking. Iconic monuments like Jahangir Mahal, Chaturbhuj Mahal, Chanderi Fort and Gwalior Fort have hosted numerous national and international film shoots, including Bhool Bhulaiyaa & Mani Ratnam’s PS-1 and PS-2, says Ram Tiwari, Deputy Director (Film Tourism), MP Tourism Board.

“Orchha is not only an emerging film tourism hub but also a significant destination for religious and heritage tourism by increasing tourist footfall at monuments, we can raise awareness about the historical significance and importance of these sites among a larger audience. This, in turn, helps us preserve our rich cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations,” Tiwari tells Media India Group.