Grand movie sets that were difficult to create

Bollywood is known for its “larger-than-life” feels and grand appearances. What adds to this grandeur are undoubtedly the dramatic songs, glamorous costumes, hysterical dialogues etc. However, one of the most important aspects of this are the surreal, breathtaking movie sets that manage to take the movie experience to an altogether another level for the viewers. However, building these magnificent sets is not a cakewalk and takes a lot of effort and time to finally offer the audience the visual treat that they witness on screen. So, let's take a look at a few of such sets that were easy on the eyes but definitely not easy to pull off.  

1. Saawariya

   Although, Saawariya couldn’t manage to do a great job at the box office, its fantasy set definitely won some hearts. The master of opulent sets, none other than the great- Sanjay Leela Bhansali, with his blue-green peacock set convinced the audience to give into the seventies retro setting that the film was based in. However, creating this look was a task especially to accentuate the look of the setting from an English castle, Gothic church, to historical forts. Regardless of the various challenges and setbacks, Bhansali still managed to pull off the entire look really well and won the hearts of the critics when it came to set design.

   
   

   
   

2. Padmaavat:

   A masterpiece by a master artist- Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Being known to build a world that transcends reality and mediocrity in all aspects. Padmavat was no exception to this. The mesmerizing sets, the vibrant colours and the opulent accessories witnessed in the film made many swoon. Initially, the film was planned to be shot in Rajasthan at Chittor Fort. However,due to unfavourable circumstances, Bhansali had to recreate the fort in Mumbai and the cost of making the sets went through the roof. The result was still spectacular with the whole Rajasthani aesthetics, huge astray spaces filled with vibrant colours beautifully accentuated by the massive lighting set-up which was backed up by approximately 15 generators as told by a crew member. 

   
   

   
   

3. Thugs of Hindostan:

   Along with the stellar casting, the film was appreciated for its felicitous set. So much so that the set was actually considered to be at par with the famous Hollywood sets that usually take our breath away. The work for this set began well in advance, in fact, three years before the film went into production. It’s not surprising to know that a lot of money was spent in bringing this set into reality. Infact, the production house spent way more on the building the two ships that weighed over 200 tonnes than the actual cost invested in the high quality VFX. Interestingly, this ship was built with the help of 1,000 people, including international designers and ship makers, becoming the most elaborate part of the film.

   
   

   
   

4. Jodhaa Akbar:

   One more historic movie with yet another splendid set. Directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar, Jodhaa Akbar, a periodic film showcasing the Mughal Empire is next on the list of movies with grand sets. Set Designer Nitin, nailed it (quite literally) as he managed to create an exact replica of the great Amer Fort back in Karjat. Every corner, every nook was created inch-by-inch to beautifully replicate the exquisite interiors of the Amer fort. Along with this, he also recreated the Diwan-i-aam, Diwan-i-khas, Jodha Maha and fully landscaped Mughal Gardens. The set measured 1,600 ft x 600 ft x 68 ft. The fort was built as huge as a seven floor, high-rise, made of concrete, fibre, asbestos sheets, scaffolding and pipes. It was one of the most applauded and felicitated pieces of work back then. However, it was a crucial task as building such a huge set that too in a barren land in Karjat from scratch was challenging to say the least. 

   
   

   

5. Bajirao Mastani

   Yet another masterpiece by the god of breathtaking sets- Sanjay Leela Bhansali. A visual splendour, Bajirao Mastani took us back in history and made Peshwai Pune feel like a home turf. The massive Aina Mahal, the sensational falling curtains, the breathtakingly high pillars, it was all so mesmerizing and to die for. What became a treat to the eyes actually took around 8-9 years of research. The entire set entailed around 23 massive sets and one ethereal Shaniwar Wada. The structure was brought together with the help of a few architectural elements created in Film City in Mumbai. The main challenge was to not mess up with the Shaniwar Wada as it still till date exists in Pune and hence renders to be a living reference point for the audience. Bhansali and his team, without doubt, managed to do a great job with it. It was informed that there were around 20,000 intricately designed mirrors alongside 13 chandeliers in the Shaniwar Wada set and it took the team over a month to complete the set.