The following is a list of films shot in the Indian city of Benaras (Varanasi/Benares/Kashi), a hub for several film industries. Being well connected to the major cities across India makes it approachable. A small number of Bhojpuri movies are shot too. In these fictions and documentaries, the setting is usually explored through the themes of spirituality and death, traditionally associated with the place as well as the scenic location of the ghats. The history of the city, its religious importance in Hinduism and the prominence of the river Ganges are also addressed in various films. A majority of them was shot on location.
Films
Aghori (2023, Bhojpuri) Agnyaathavaasi Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain Aparajito (1956, Bengali) Banaras (2006) Banaras (2009, a Malayalam film) Banaras (2022, Kannada) Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai (2001, Hindi) Benares: The Hindu Heaven, released by James A. Fitzpatrick (1931, English), American travelogue Sarnath, Benares (1934), German anonymous documentary featurette Bhaiaji Superhit Bholaa Bidesiya (1963, Bhojpuri) Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva Brahmotsavam Bunty Aur Babli Chokher Bali Deep River (1995, Japanese) Dharm Dream Girl Falimy Feast of Varanasi Forest of Bliss (1986, English), American documentary Ganges: River to Heaven Gangs of Wasseypur Ghatak: Lethal (1996) Global Baba (2016, Hindi) Gypsy Guns of Banaras Half Girlfriend Har Har Byomkesh Hotel Salvation (2016, Hindi) Jaya Ganga Jolly LLB 2 Indra ISmart Shankar Issaq Joi Baba Felunath Junction Varanasi Laaga Chunari Mein Daag Maang Bharo Sajana (1980, Hindi) Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi Masaan (2015, Hindi) Mere Dost Picture Abhi Baki Hai (2012, Hindi) Mohalla Assi (2018, Hindi) Mukkabaaz Mulk Mumbai Varanasi Express Naan Kadavul Odiyan Projapoti (2022 film) Raanjhanaa (2013, Hindi) Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985, Hindi) Piku Sange Meel Se Mulaqat (1989, Hindi) Setters Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan Super 30 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika (2025, Bengali) The Experiment (2010 film) The Last Color Un plus une Vanvaas 2006 Varanasi – The Untold Water (2005, Hindi; English) Yamla Pagla Deewana
OTT Platforms
Asur Bahut Hua Sammaan Bicchoo Ka Khel Helmet Mirzapur Madhuri Talkies Raktanchal A Suitable Boy UP65 Virgin Bhasskar
See also :Category:Films shot in Varanasi Varanasi List of tourist attractions in Varanasi
References