Amidst the natural splendor of Jordan’s Wadi Rum, an artistic endeavor is underway as director Ali Abbas Zafar orchestrates a visually stunning song sequence for the anticipated movie ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, starring Bollywood heavyweights Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. Zafar is captivated by the landscape, describing it as “raw yet majestic,” a place of virtually untapped beauty that bemuses the senses.
On the transforming stage that is Wadi Rum – a canvas of red and yellow dunes set before grand sandstone mountains beneath a sky of billowy clouds – Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff along with Alaya F and Manushi Chiller, imbue the atmosphere with cinematic vitality. As the actors and a troupe of background dancers move in harmony to the rhythm of music overseen by choreographer Bosco Martin, the drama of the desert engulfs them. Tiger Shroff, in a vest that accentuates his sculpted physique, jests about reaping the rewards of fitness, but acknowledges the privilege of performing in such a mesmerizing location – a sentiment shared by his co-star Akshay Kumar.
In a commemorative gesture intertwining with the film’s production, 50 journalists hailing from India were invited to witness the shoot and absorb the culture of Jordan. Producer Jackky Bhagnani, aiming to revive the traditional bonds between filmmakers and the media, orchestrated the gathering to celebrate 25 years since the release of the original ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ – a creation of his father Vashu Bhagnani and Pooja Entertainment. Jackky advocates for a return to tangible cinematic experiences and genuine relationship-building that has been lost in the digital age.
The iconic Wadi Rum, where the film set unfurls, is no stranger to the cinematic arts. The historic ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962), a recipient of the Academy Award, was one of the first to harness Wadi Rum’s alien-like terrain; a legacy followed by modern epics such as ‘Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker’, ‘Dune’, and ‘The Martian’. Wadi Rum is not only a sanctuary for filmmakers but also a reminder of Earth’s arresting beauty and its cinematic potential.
Aqaba, Jordan’s coastal gem, was also part of the journey where the wrap-up party unveiled insights into the making of the film, promising high-octane action and an international tapestry of visuals. Beyond filmmaking, Aqaba spellbinds visitors with its unique location, governed by four countries, and mesmerizes palates with a diversity of cuisines, blending the delectable flavors of Mansaf and Umm Ali.
The allure of Jordan extends to the iconic Dead Sea tour, offering a testament to the country’s serene charm. Petra, the ancient city known globally through films like ‘Indiana Jones’, enthralls visitors with its “Rose City” grandeur. The affection of locals for Bollywood and their hope of seeing star Kareena Kapoor Khan grace Petra’s magnificent backdrop with her cinematic presence is palpable and endearing.
The Royal Film Commission of Jordan’s dedication to fostering the nation as a hub for filming and tourism is underscored by the convenience of single window clearances and a welcoming visa-on-arrival policy for Indians, making the country’s filmic and historic treasures accessible.
In embracing these locales, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ not only pays homage to its Bollywood lineage but to the world of cinema at large. It taps into the deep-rooted connection between culture, art, and the entwined world of storytelling that transcends borders, inviting audiences and creators alike to the dance of light and shadow on nature’s grand stage.
