In a wave of nostalgia, celebrated filmmaker Mani Ratnam and acclaimed actor Manisha Koirala, along with cinematographer Rajiv Menon, recently returned to one of the most iconic settings from their seminal 1995 film, 'Bombay'. Their destination was the historic Bekal Fort in Kerala's Kasaragod district, a location immortalized by the unforgettable song 'Uyire Uyire'. This special visit took place just months after the landmark film completed a remarkable 30 years of its release.
A Walk Down Memory Lane at Bekal
As captured in a video shared by the Bekal Beach Park's official Instagram page, the trio was seen strolling through the majestic fort, reminiscing about the shoot. The visuals instantly transported fans back to the poignant scenes featuring the song composed by the legendary AR Rahman. Kerala’s Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas and local MLA CH Kunhambu accompanied the film personalities during this nostalgic tour of the coastal landmark.
The Monsoon Mood That Made Magic
Reflecting on the filming conditions, Mani Ratnam, the director behind epics like 'Ponniyin Selvan', pointed to the dramatic weather as a key character in the sequence. With the vast Arabian Sea as a backdrop, he described the setting as a "beautiful monsoon" where the wild sea perfectly set the emotional tone. "It was a beautiful monsoon, the sea was wild and it just gave the mood for the song. It's the crucial part of the film and it gets identified by the song. So I am very happy to be here," Ratnam expressed during the visit.
Actor Manisha Koirala shared her deep appreciation for how the site has been maintained, stating she was "very, very impressed" with its organization. Cinematographer Rajiv Menon highlighted the lasting power of the location itself, noting, "The film lives in people’s minds because of the location of Bekal." Tourism Minister Riyas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that even after decades, such film locations continue to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences.
The Enduring Legacy of 'Bombay'
Released in 1995, 'Bombay' starred Arvind Swami and Manisha Koirala in lead roles. The narrative follows Shekhar, a Hindu journalist from a conservative family, who falls in love with Shaila Banu, a Muslim girl from a coastal village. The film, known for its powerful storytelling and soul-stirring music by AR Rahman, is widely regarded as one of Mani Ratnam's most celebrated works. Its themes of love transcending religious divides and its visual poetry, much of it captured at Bekal Fort, have ensured its place in Indian cinematic history.
The reunion at Bekal Fort was not just a personal trip for the team but a testament to the enduring connection between cinema, location, and collective memory. It underscored how certain places become forever intertwined with the art created there, continuing to attract fans and evoke emotion generations later.
