Bollywood is more than just a film industry — it’s a celebration of color, emotion, scale, and spectacle. While storylines and performances drive a film forward, production design and sets often breathe life into the cinematic universe. Over the years, Indian filmmakers have gone all out to create extravagant sets that not only wow audiences but also become characters in their own right.
From grand palaces built on studio lots to replicated cities and heritage mansions, Bollywood’s biggest films have often relied on opulent, detailed, and larger-than-life sets. These backdrops have given an extra edge to the storytelling — turning ordinary scenes into visual epics.
In this blog, we take you through some of the most iconic Bollywood film sets that defined cinematic excellence.
🎥 1. Devdas (2002) – Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Majestic Haveli
If there’s one filmmaker known for grandeur, it’s Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Devdas is a masterclass in opulence. The entire film was shot on lavish indoor sets designed to replicate Bengal’s old zamindari culture.
- Chandramukhi’s kotha (courtesan house) was built over 45,000 sq ft and cost crores.
- Each pillar, chandelier, and stained-glass window added texture and emotion to the narrative.
- Even the climactic Durga Puja pandal was a carefully constructed set inside a studio.
The sets didn’t just decorate scenes — they intensified emotion and drama, becoming integral to the film’s visual storytelling.
🏰 2. Padmaavat (2018) – Royal Rajasthan Inside a Studio
Another Bhansali magnum opus, Padmaavat, created an entire Rajasthani palace with war chambers, zenanas, and sprawling courtyards inside a Mumbai studio.
- The Chittorgarh Fort was reimagined in detailed interiors with authentic Rajputana architecture.
- Over 1000 artisans worked on creating hand-painted walls, antique sculptures, and period furniture.
The sets added authenticity and majesty to the characters — especially when Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh took center stage.
🌆 3. Kalank (2019) – Pre-Independence India in Technicolor
Though the film may not have won hearts at the box office, Kalank’s production value was unanimously praised.
- Director Abhishek Varman recreated pre-independence Lahore with intricate lanes, railway stations, and Mughal-inspired structures.
- A set spanning 40,000 square feet was constructed over three months.
From the lavish bull-fighting arena to the mesmerizing courtyards of the haveli, the film’s visual appeal lay in its extravagant production design.
🕌 4. Jodhaa Akbar (2008) – Historical Grandeur Reimagined
Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodhaa Akbar transported us to the Mughal era with historical authenticity and aesthetic brilliance.
- Huge sets replicating Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, and Amer Palace were created.
- The wedding mandap scene and courtroom sequences were filled with intricate Mughal details.
The film struck the right balance between scale and substance, and the elaborate sets added to the historical romance between Jodhaa and Akbar.
🏢 5. Om Shanti Om (2007) – From Retro Bollywood to Rebirth
Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om celebrated Bollywood’s golden era, and the film’s sets reflected the nostalgic charm of 70s cinema.
- From Rajesh Kapoor’s sprawling studio mansion to the grand film premiere hall, every set was built to evoke vintage Bollywood.
- The film’s “Dard-e-Disco” set featured choreographed fountains and glitzy neon lighting.
The grandeur wasn’t just aesthetic — it celebrated the fantasy of cinema itself.
🎡 6. Bahubali Series (2015–2017) – Ramoji Film City Turned Into Mahishmati
Although a Telugu-language film series, Bahubali’s sets raised the bar for the entire Indian film industry, including Bollywood.
- The kingdom of Mahishmati was designed from scratch in Ramoji Film City.
- From waterfalls to palaces, every location was a blend of CGI and massive real-life sets.
This epic was a turning point in Indian cinema’s scale of storytelling, and Bollywood took cues from its grandeur in later films.
🏗️ 7. Ra.One (2011) – Futuristic Fantasy and Technology
Shah Rukh Khan’s ambitious venture Ra.One may have been ahead of its time, but its cyberpunk, futuristic sets were bold and experimental.
- From glass-tech corridors to digital labs, the entire look was inspired by international sci-fi but recreated on Indian soil.
- Action sequences were filmed in artificially designed cities and virtual gaming arenas.
Though not a traditional grand set like a palace, it redefined how set design can evolve with the genre.
🎬 8. Mughal-e-Azam (1960) – The Original Grand Set Era
Decades before modern CGI, Mughal-e-Azam set the benchmark for cinematic luxury and scale.
- The Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors) was created with Belgian glass and authentic craftsmanship.
- It took months to film even a single scene due to lighting challenges inside the mirror hall.
Even today, the film is remembered for its larger-than-life presentation and is often referenced in discussions about legendary Bollywood sets.
🎞️ Why These Sets Matter
These extravagant sets are not just backdrops — they:
- Define the mood and tone of the film
- Help actors immerse into character
- Offer the audience a complete visual experience
- Serve as a symbol of Bollywood’s passion for storytelling
📈 The Economics of Grandeur
With high production costs, building such elaborate sets is a financial risk. However, when done right, it pays off by:
- Enhancing promotional buzz
- Attracting pan-India and international audiences
- Increasing re-watch value due to visual spectacle
Studios like Yash Raj Films, Dharma Productions, and SLB Films continue investing in immersive set designs, believing in cinema as a total art form.
🧠 Final Thoughts
In the world of Bollywood, grandeur is not just an indulgence — it’s an integral part of storytelling. Be it the royal courtrooms of Padmaavat, the nostalgic film sets of Om Shanti Om, or the futuristic world of Ra.One, these creations reflect the ambition and artistry of Indian filmmakers.
As technology advances and audience expectations rise, the demand for visually grand cinematic experiences will only grow. These sets are not just structures — they are dreams built in brick, paint, and emotion.