Lights, Camera, Tourism: Tamil Nadu to promote iconic film spots

The sweeping staircase of Rajaji Hall where Karthik’s tragic final moments in ‘Mouna Ragam’ unfolded, the mist-covered Fernhills Palace in Ooty that hosted scenes from ‘Raaz’ and ‘Ullathai Allitha’, and the Aliyar Dam guest house immortalised by ‘Kadhalikka Neramillai’ may soon draw visitors for more than their cinematic nostalgia.

In a move aimed at promoting film tourism, Tamil Nadu tourism department is planning to develop iconic movie-shooting locations across the state into visitor attractions. The initiative will feature photo galleries, screening of scenes filmed there, themed cafeterias and interpretative displays.

The proposed film tourism circuit will complement existing heritage and cultural trails. “People heading to Pollachi can be taken to the Aliyar guest house. The Fernhills Palace can be part of the Ooty tour schedule. For Chennai, we can include Rajaji Hall, Thiruneermalai and Museum Theatre,” said a senior official from Tamil Nadu tourism department.

Among the locations identified are Rajaji Hall in Chennai, the Fernhills Palace in Ooty, the Aliyar Dam Govt Guest House near Pollachi, the Thiruneermalai Murugan Temple on the city outskirts, and MGR Thittu in Cuddalore district. “We are identifying more such places in the state. This initiative will help tourists from other states and countries appreciate the state’s rich cinematic legacy,” the official said.

Rajaji Hall , one of Chennai’s most recognisable heritage structures, has featured in several landmark films. The colonial-era building, known for its imposing façade and wide staircase, hosted pivotal scenes in Mani Ratnam’s Mouna Ragam, Thalapathi, and Vijayakanth-starrer Alexander.

The Fernhills Palace, a former summer residence of the Mysore royal family built in 1844, has appeared in films such as Raaz, Ullathai Allitha, Kilukkam and Thalavattam. Similarly, the Aliyar guest house gained popularity through films such as Kadhalikka Neramillai and Chinna Thambi.

The Thiruneermalai Murugan Temple, a favourite filming location for comedy legends Goundamani and Senthil, has also appeared in films such as Raanuva Veeran, Amman and Pongalo Pongal. “Visitors will be able to relive these cinematic moments through curated exhibits and visual installations,” the official said.

G Dhananjeyan, film producer and distributor said the move would "help the industry and create a renewed interest in the old films among people”.

Filmmaker Chitra Lakshmanan said film tourism was exciting. “Once in a while, actors who were part of the movie or the creative process can be called to the spot and made to interact with the tourists. They can share memories and history.”

Sriharan Balan, director of Madura Travel Services, said film tourism has proven its potential worldwide. “After the Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol-starrer Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge was shot in Switzerland, tourist inflow to destinations such as Jungfraujoch and Mount Titlis in Switzerland increased significantly. They even have cutouts of the actors at some locations,” he said.

“Forts and heritage sites in Goa also became popular tourist attractions after being featured in popular films. Today, many travellers want to visit places where their favourite movies were shot and recreate those cinematic moments,” Balan said.