Queenstown takes a bow in Bollywood
05 Jul 2010
Queenstown has taken a bow in Bollywood’s latest runaway box office hit.
It was ‘luv’ at first sight for movie goers in India and across the world as a Bollywood film set in New Zealand’s adventure capital - Queenstown became an instant box office hit over the weekend.
I Hate Luv Storys - a romantic comedy starring Indian heart-throbs Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor - has been ranked India’s 12th best net grossing movie of all time on opening day.
The movie, which premiered in India on Friday (2.07.2010), saw big city movie theatres filling 80 - 90% of their screenings and some theatres having to increase the number of shows.
The film is also proving to be a big hit outside of India. Internationally, it has provided the biggest opening day ever for a film starring Imran Kahn.
Queenstown love story
The film tells the story of two Bollywood actors who fly to Queenstown, in New Zealand’s South Island, to shoot a film and end up falling in love.
And it seems that director Punit Malhotra - who came New Zealand looking for "picture perfect, postcard locations" - also fell in love with Queenstown.
"As a film maker in Queenstown you don’t have to hunt for good locations. The place itself is one giant exquisite locale," Malhotra told H T Cafe magazine.
"We were looking for landscapes that resembled Switzerland in Hindi films from the nineties. I came across Queenstown in New Zealand ... the place turned out to be perfect. We got an opportunity to shoot around Glenorchy the location for ‘Lord of the Rings’."
Not just a location
In the film Queenstown is not just a location, it’s a character, Malhotra says.
"The tourists, especially youngsters from Australia, throng the bars and night clubs. Shops shut around 6pm and then the nightlife takes over. They all pour out on the roads singing and having fun.
"I can’t ever forget the fried fish and chips ... but you should also have the great fresh bread, fruit, coffee, ice cream and the exotic cheeses that the locals make.
"It’s a little far from India but the journey is totally worth it."
Lake and alpine resort
‘I Hate Luv Storys’ was partially filmed in Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier year-round lake and alpine resort, earlier this year.
The resort town’s spectacular scenery has made it a popular backdrop for other Hollywood movies such as The Lord of the Rings, Wolverine, The Water Horse, 10,000 BC, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Vertical Limit, and Prince Caspian.
The latest movie is predicted to reach an audience of 150 million worldwide, and Destination Queenstown chief executive Tony Everitt is enthusiastic about the global exposure.
"What a great way to showcase Queenstown to the world and particularly to India and its expatriates," Everitt said.
"In terms of tourism, India continues to be one of the global powerhouses so we’re hoping the movie will prompt more people to come and experience Queenstown for themselves."
Background: Queenstown
Queenstown’s snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lake and crisp dry climate provide a classic alpine setting for winter and summer holidays.
With some of New Zealand’s best ski areas on the doorstep, and lots of bars, restaurants and boutique shopping in town, Queenstown is a snow-lovers paradise.
Snowfields open from early June, and a good season runs well into October. The Southern Lakes region has a stable climate and southern ski fields rarely close due to bad weather.
The ski fields offer a range of terrain suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Queenstown, the birthplace of the bungy, is known as New Zealand’s adventure capital. Year-round thrill seekers have a wide choice of activities from bungy to jet-boating, swinging across canyons and water sports on the lake and rivers.
Other recreation choices include top international golf courses, award-winning vineyards, walking tracks, luxury spas, shops, galleries, bars and restaurants.
More information
New Zealand shines in Bollywood movie
Bollywood comes to Queenstown
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