Nikkhil Advani reveals why shooting at Rashtrapati Bhavan was 'security risk' ahead of 'Freedom at Midnight' Season 2 release

When Nikkhil Advani was first approached to adapt Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre’s sweeping historical account into the series ‘Freedom at Midnight’, his reaction was instinctive and honest. The scale of the story, rooted in the tense final days of British rule and the birth of two nations, felt almost impossible to stage. Yet as the release of season two draws closer, Advani reflects on the creative choices and logistical challenges that shaped the series, including why shooting at Rashtrapati Bhavan was ruled out and how Umaid Bhawan Palace stepped in to recreate history.According to Advani, who spoke to NDTV, the offer came during the wrap party of his earlier period drama ‘Rocket Boys’, which he created for Sony LIV. He recalled laughing nervously when the idea was presented. “Karenge kaise?” was his immediate response to the executives, he said, capturing both the excitement and fear that came with the proposal.The chance to explore the private conversations and political tensions surrounding the Partition of India proved hard to ignore. Advani eventually took charge of the ambitious series, which streams its second season tomorrow. He knew that authenticity and scale would define its impact.One of his first ideas was to film inside Rashtrapati Bhavan, the original Viceroy’s House and the residence of India’s last Viceroy, Louis Mountbatten, and his wife Edwina. The plan did not survive the practical realities. “We wanted to shoot in the Rashtrapati Bhavan but the amount of equipment we wanted was a security risk,” Nikkhil Advani told NDTV in an interview.The solution came in Jodhpur. Advani said that Umaid Bhawan Palace was unmatched in presence and proportion. “Perhaps the only venue in India that could have matched the grandeur and scale required for ‘Freedom at Midnight’ was Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace,” he explained.Advani described the experience as rare and generous. “Shooting in Umaid Bhawan was an incredible experience,” Advani said, noting that the palace opened up private sections of the property for filming. “Otherwise, how do you show the scale of Rashtrapati Bhavan?”The palace appears throughout the series as the Viceroy’s House, and the makers thank Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur in the end credits for his support. Advani emphasized why scale mattered. “At the end of the day, Rashtrapati Bhavan has some 500 rooms. It was built for two people,” he said. “It was very important for us to get the scale right. Whether it was the scale of emotion, patriotism, decisions or the visuals.”'Freedom at Midnight' Season 2 is now streaming on SonyLIV featuring seven episodes.