Morocco is among the most sought after Filming Locations in the world, especially for international movies. But did you know that Morocco is also a lucrative market for Bollywood films?
Once upon a time, about a decade ago, Morocco used to be an important market for Bollywood films overseas. It seems almost every Moroccan knows at least around 100 words of Hindi. Unfortunately, as with most other regions, takers for Hollywood films increased in the Moroccan market as well, which means Hindi films used to feature less in that country.
However, that seem to have changed in the last few years, as more Bollywood films started featuring in the Moroccan film festival circuit. Production houses here were quick to spot that trend and decided to get more active in Morocco.
And it definitely seems to be lucrative as Yeh Jeewani Hai Deewani, Agneepath, Agent Vinod and Housefull 2 were released in this part of the world. Now, it seems this market is going to be flooded with Bollywood’s latest superhit films.
Hollywood Likes Morocco
Morocco may not be on the itinerary of most Indians yet, as not much is known about that country here. However, its a very popular destination for foreign filmmakers.
Some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters have been shot here – LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, BLACK HAWK DOWN, THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM, GLADIATOR, INCEPTION, THE MUMMY & THE MUMMY RETURNS, and more.
That probably explains the popularity of Hollywood films here. However, in the last few years, even Bollywood movies have been going global, with their movies having much bigger budgets. Its very common for Indian filmmakers to shoot abroad at exotic locations. And that probably explains the revival of Indian films here.
Bollywood Movies Shot in Morocco
Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor were in Morocco to shoot for their upcoming movie ‘Jagga Jasoos’.
#Ranbir & #KatrinaKaif captured shooting for #JaggaJasoos in Belleville, Capetown pic.twitter.com/yWRdasWqEZ
— BombayTimes (@bombaytimes) March 10, 2016
Agent Vinod was the first Bollywood movie shot in Morocco. There are many who think that the song ‘MASHALLAH FROM EK THA TIGER’ was also shot in Morocco, but that’s not true.
Though Yash Raj Films originally wanted to shoot that song in Morocco, Salman made them build that entire Moroccon set in Mumbai as he had other commitments and could not travel.
Moroccan Film Industry Loves Bollywood
Even Moroccan filmmakers are fascinated by Bollywood films. In the last couple of years, Moroccan directors have tried to incorporate Bollywood (and India) into Moroccan cinema.
Director Ahad Bensouda’s “Marrakech Bombay…A Love Story” will include elements of Indian culture.
The movie “Karyane Bollywood” by Moroccan director Yassine Fennane was abut a young Moroccan who tries to woo his sweetheart by remaking “Disco Dancer” – a Bollywood classic from the 1980’s starring Mithun-da.
More About Morocco
Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is the most westerly of the North African countries. It has both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, and it also has a rugged mountain interior. The capital City is Rabat, and the official language is Arabic. It has one of the tastiest cuisines in the world, too.
For those who may not be aware, Morocco is one of the most politically stab;e countries in North Africa, and that is one of the reasons that tourism has bloomed in this country. Today, Tourism in Morocco is big business, with a strong focus on the countries culture and history. Morocco is the most visited country of Africa.
Top tourist attractions in Morocco include:
- The Atlas Mountains
- Sand dunes in Morocco
- Malabata Coast in Tangier
- Bou Inania Madrasa in Fes
- Old defense walls of Essaouira
- Swany water reserve in Meknes
- Ifrane, also known as Morocco’s Switzerland
- The beach and Kasbah at Agadir
Here’s a video by Moroccan Tourism Authority
