More Bollywood action for New Zealand
06 Jul 2010
It seems that New Zealand is winning over the Indian film industry with unconfirmed reports that another big budget Bollywood movie is scheduled to shoot on Kiwi soil.
Hard on the heels of the just released I Hate Luv Storys - partly filmed in Queenstown - an Indian-style remake of The Italian Job would be filmed in New Zealand towards the end of 2010, according to New Zealand website stuff.co.nz.
This time round the movie producers are said to have Auckland in their sights, with Auckland’s Viaduct Basin - in the city’s vibrant downtown waterside area - targeted for the big car chase scenes.
Bollywood A-listers
Indian director Abbas-Mustan told Indian media that he had signed A-listers Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor for the remake.
Abhishek Bachchan - the son of Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan and actress Jaya Bachchan - is married to Indian actress and beauty Aishwarya Rai (Miss World 1994).
Kareena Kapoor has appeared in a number of Bollywood films, and also comes from an Indian acting and film dynasty.
Abbas-Mustan has said that no expense will be spared to make sure the latest version of The Italian Job is as good as the original.
"We're going to Indianize The Italian Job. We'll add roles for two heroines. We might even have an American actress in the film. And the villain will be played by one of the top heroes. We want to make it better than the original."
'The Italian Job'
Michael Caine starred in the original British 1969 version of The Italian Job.
A 2003 remake with Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron and Donald Sutherland was also a commercial success.
Agents for the Indian version have been in New Zealand scouting for scenes and back-of-camera staff.
It is believed that the Bollywood production will bring a cast and crew of 90 to 100 people from India to New Zealand for about 50 days of filming.
Background: Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour
On the edge of Auckland’s downtown business district, Viaduct Harbour is one of the City of Sails’ most scenic and happening places at any time of the day.
The waterside precinct offers top class accommodation, dining and entertainment destinations, alongside world class marina facilities that regularly host international yachting events such as the America’s Cup and the Louis Vuitton series.
It is also the starting point for some of Auckland’s iconic sea-going tourism adventures, including dolphin and whale watching safaris, and an ever increasing range of cruising and yachting experiences
There are over 20 restaurants and bars, a range of hotels, and residential apartments. It is also the centre of frequent events and art installations, helping create a unique happening atmosphere
During the day, Viaduct Harbour is a great place for a walk, watching the crowds from the cafés and benches along the water’s edge, or soaking up the views across Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf.
More information
Queenstown takes a bow in Bollywood
New Zealand shines in Bollywood movie
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