Where Was Padmaavat Filmed?

Question

Can someone list all the actual Indian forts and desert locations used for Padmaavat's epic battle scenes and court drama? Heard Rajasthan but which specific palaces?

DeanRay · Answer

The 2018 historical drama 'Padmaavat' was primarily filmed at various studios and locations in India, with significant sets built in Mumbai's Film City. For massive outdoor scenes, the production also utilized Rajasthan's forts and palaces, like the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and the Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur, which really added to the film's epic scale. On a related note, I recently got into 'The Pakhan's Bride', a mafia romance where a lot of the tense, high-stakes confrontations play out in similarly grand but controlled environments, like secluded estates and penthouse suites, which becomes a key part of the power dynamics between the characters.

Vivian · Answer

Oh, 'Padmaavat' was a visual feast, and its filming spots were just as dramatic as the plot! Most of it unfolded in Rajasthan—think Jaipur’s Nahargarh Fort, where Alauddin Khalji’s camp scenes were shot, and the surreal landscapes of Khebdi Village near Jaisalmer for the raw desert vibes. The crew even transformed parts of Maharashtra’s studios into elaborate sets, like the infamous 'jauhar' sequence, which was filmed on a custom-built set to ensure safety while maintaining authenticity. Fun tidbit: some underwater scenes were reportedly shot in a massive tank in Mumbai!

What struck me was how the locations mirrored the characters’ emotions. The forts felt imposing, almost like silent witnesses to the tragedy, while the desert’s isolation echoed Rani Padmini’s resilience. Bhansali’s team scouted for months to find places that hadn’t been overused in Bollywood, giving the film a fresh yet timeless look. Visiting these spots now feels like stepping into the movie’s universe—especially Jaisalmer’s dunes at sunset, which are straight out of a dream sequence.

Noah · Answer

The grandeur of 'Padmaavat' wasn't just in its story but also in its breathtaking locations! Sanjay Leela Bhansali shot much of the film in Rajasthan, particularly at the majestic Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur and the sprawling Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. These forts added an authentic medieval touch, with their towering walls and intricate architecture mirroring the opulence of Rajputana. Some scenes were also filmed at the exotic locales of Maharashtra’s Film City, where sets like the 'Mirror Palace' were painstakingly recreated. The desert sequences? Those golden dunes were captured in the Thar Desert near Jaisalmer, where the vast emptiness amplified the film’s epic scale. Every location felt like a character itself, steeped in history.

What’s fascinating is how Bhansali blended real and constructed worlds. While Rajasthan provided the raw, regal backdrop, sets like Chittor’s palace were built from scratch in Mumbai, merging imagination with reality. The attention to detail—like the shimmering mirrors reflecting Deepika’s dance—was pure magic. It’s no surprise the film’s visuals left everyone awestruck; you could practically feel the dust of the battle sequences and the chill of the palace corridors. If you ever visit Rajasthan, standing at Mehrangarh might just give you 'Padmaavat' flashbacks!

Quincy · Answer

The filming of 'Padmaavat' was as much a spectacle as the movie itself. Rajasthan’s historic sites were the stars—Jaisalmer’s Sam Sand Dunes for the sweeping desert scenes, Mehrangarh Fort’s rugged cliffs for the battles, and Jaipur’s palaces for the courtly intrigue. Even the song 'Ghoomar' was shot at the luxurious Amer Fort, its courtyards echoing with the dance’s rhythms. Beyond Rajasthan, Mumbai’s studios housed intricate sets, like the mirrored hallway, which took months to design. The blend of real and artificial locations created a world that felt both grand and intimate, a testament to Bhansali’s obsession with detail. Standing in these places now, you can almost hear the clang of swords or the whisper of silk.

LylaRyan · Answer

Got curious about the filming spots after watching the epic scale of that movie. From what I gathered, they shot across several states in India, which makes sense given the diverse landscapes they needed. The major palace and fort scenes, especially the Chittor sequences, were filmed at real historical locations like the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and the Chittorgarh Fort. I remember reading they also used sets built at Film City in Mumbai for some of the interior palace shots. The desert scenes? Those looked like the real Thar Desert around Rajasthan. They even filmed some sequences at the Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, for its intricate architecture. It's kind of amazing how they pieced together different iconic Indian landmarks to create that grand, unified visual world. The production design team really traveled all over to get that authentic, larger-than-life look.

StorySky · Answer

Most of the principal photography happened in Rajasthan, which is basically the heartland for that kind of Rajput-era aesthetic. Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort is unmistakable in so many wide shots—its imposing walls are iconic. They also utilized the Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur for certain scenes. For the desert landscapes and the sequences where Alauddin Khilji's camp is set up, they shot in the barren areas around the Thar Desert. I think some forested scenes might have been shot in Maharashtra as well, but Rajasthan is the star. It's not just a backdrop; the location becomes a character, emphasizing the isolation and majesty of Chittor. The heat and dust you see on screen? Probably very real for the actors. The choice to film there instead of relying solely on CGI added a tangible, gritty authenticity to the visuals.

MyPal · Answer

Comparing it to 'Bajirao Mastani', another Bhansali film, is interesting. That one also used a mix of real palaces (like the City Palace in Udaipur) and massive sets. He has a formula that works: anchor the spectacle in real, recognizable Indian heritage sites to ground the fantasy, then build the stage for his operatic drama around it. The 'where' is consistent across his epic filmography.

EllenWebb · Answer

The night shoots must have been something else. Imagine filming the siege or the jauhar scene at night, with massive light setups illuminating these ancient forts or constructed sets. The play of light and shadow on the stone textures would have been crucial. For the real locations, bringing in enough power and lighting equipment to make a night shoot possible is a massive undertaking. For the sets, they had total control. The 'where' at night became a different beast altogether. The forts, which are majestic by day, would have taken on a more ominous, dramatic tone under artificial night lighting, perfect for the film's climactic tension. The location choices had to work for both day and night scenes, each with its own technical demands.

KhloeRose · Answer

The jauhar scene, though controversial, was visually staggering. That was almost certainly filmed on a massive soundstage for safety and control with the fire. Trying to do that sequence at a real historical site would have been impossible and irresponsible. Sometimes the 'where' is dictated by what you need to do, not just what you want to see.

Where Was Padmaavat Filmed?

9 Answers

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