Cinema in Edinburgh is notably diverse and, of course, brimming with immense talent. This applies not only to actors but also to directors, screenwriters, and everyone else involved in filmmaking. It’s no wonder, then, that virtually every film shot in Edinburgh often turns into a masterpiece. This fact is acknowledged by both film critics and audiences alike – and the latter’s opinion, as we know, is key for any cinematic production. Find out more on edinburgh-trend.
This article will delve into a rather unusual Scottish film. You see, at its heart, it’s an Indian military romance drama, but much of its filming took place right here in Edinburgh. An interesting combination, wouldn’t you say?
Co-Production: A Recipe for Excellent Results
The film Mausam garnered huge public acclaim and became a unique product of collaborative filmmaking between India and Scotland. The very concept behind the film was quite extraordinary, as it managed to unite two entirely different cultures. While this didn’t affect the storyline itself, it played a crucial role in the filming process, particularly in the selection of key locations.
What’s the Film About?
To tell you more about Mausam, it’s only right to give you a brief overview of its plot.
The main character is a young man named Harry, who lives in a Punjabi village. His greatest dream is to become a fighter pilot, and he spends his days eagerly awaiting a letter confirming his army enlistment.
However, everything changes dramatically with a single encounter with a girl named Aayat. In that moment, Harry forgot all else, even his lifelong dream. He plunged completely into a new world – a world of love, genuine affection for his beloved, and romance. But, as often happens, an obstacle arises between Harry and Aayat in the form of an enforced separation, as the girl must leave with her parents for another city.
Years pass; Harry eventually becomes a fighter pilot, but throughout that time, he never forgot the beauty who had captured his heart. So, when he arrives in Kashmir on duty, he resolves to find his beloved at all costs.
So, it’s safe to say that Mausam boasts a truly captivating plot, and many viewers were intrigued by its compelling story.
Challenges in Filming
However, this film stands out not only for its unique plot but also for its production process. Filming took place not just in India, but also in Edinburgh, Scotland.
It truly showcases a wonderful friendship between cultures, peoples, and traditions.
Scenes involving the Air Force (Harry, as a reminder, eventually became a fighter pilot) were shot at the Gwalior Air Force Station.
The filming itself spanned two years. This rather lengthy period was due to the lead actress, Sonam Kapoor, falling ill. However, this didn’t prevent the creation of a truly high-quality product. It’s also worth noting the atmosphere that prevailed during the film’s creation. The director, screenwriter, and entire crew were incredibly understanding of Sonam’s health, offering their full support and making concessions, even suspending filming at times for her sake.
Censorship Issues
Furthermore, once the film was complete and production wrapped, it encountered a new hurdle: censorship. This was because the Indian Air Force expressed dissatisfaction with a brief scene featuring Shahid Kapoor, who plays the fighter pilot in the script. This objection came despite official permission having been granted for filming at a real airbase.
Nevertheless, the sudden objection was successfully resolved, and audiences were eventually able to see the film.
Thus, the film Mausam became a true revelation in the film industry. Beyond its captivating plot and famous actors, this movie stood out for another unique feature: its production effectively united two different cultures, as it was filmed in both Scotland and India. This fact undoubtedly endowed the final film with a truly unique quality, which is simply palpable when you watch it.
Given that much of the filming took place in Edinburgh, it’s fair to say that Mausam can reasonably be considered a true embodiment of the diversity within Edinburgh’s cinematic arts. It truly knows how to impress audiences and, of course, offer incredibly engaging films that reflect the influence of other cultures.
There’s nothing surprising about this, though. Edinburgh is a city where people from a wide variety of nationalities meet. It’s only logical, then, that they all add something of their own to the overall fabric of life, resulting in a wonderful mosaic that captivates with its multifaceted nature. And, of course, the film industry here is no exception.
