Remember the last time a song truly took your breath away? Not just with the music, but with the sheer visual spectacle of it? For many of us, that moment came with “Gerua,” the iconic track from Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s film Dilwale.
The song, with its blazing reds and dramatic Icelandic backdrops, felt like a love letter written in vivid color. But recently, choreographer-director Farah Khan revealed a staggering detail about its production: shooting that single song cost a whopping Rs. 7 crore. And the primary reason? Iceland itself.
Let’s break down what made this Bollywood song one of the most expensive ever filmed.
The Staggering Price Tag of Perfection
Farah Khan, in a candid interview, didn’t mince words. She stated that while filming “Gerua,” the unit discovered that Iceland is the most expensive place they had ever shot in. The final bill for the song’s production touched approximately Rs. 7 crore.
To put that in perspective, that’s a budget some entire independent films operate on. This massive investment wasn’t just for actor fees; it was a testament to a no-expense-spared vision to create something unforgettable. The goal was to match the epic scale of shah rukh khan and Kajol‘s on-screen romance with a location that felt equally grand and timeless.
Why Iceland Broke the Budget
So, what exactly contributes to such a high cost? It wasn’t just about flying the cast and crew to a beautiful location.
- Remote and Logistically Complex: Iceland’s raw beauty is often found in remote, inaccessible areas. Transporting heavy film equipment, generators, costumes, and a full team to these spots requires specialized vehicles and meticulous planning, all of which adds up quickly.
- Permits and Regulations: Filming in protected natural areas comes with a web of permits and strict regulations to preserve the environment. These permits are costly, and the production must often hire local coordinators and eco-supervisors, a necessary but significant expense.
- Unpredictable Weather: The weather in Iceland can change in an instant. This unpredictability can lead to costly delays. A crew might be booked for a week, but if a storm rolls in, they have to wait it out, all while accruing expenses for accommodation and daily wages.
- High Cost of Living: Simply put, everything in Iceland is expensive. From hotel rooms for the entire unit to meals and local transportation, the high cost of living directly impacts a film’s budget.
The production chose iconic spots like the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon and the vast black sand beaches, locations that required significant investment to capture properly.
Was the Investment in Gerua Worth It?
Looking back, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. The ROI wasn’t just financial; it was cultural.
“Gerua” wasn’t just a song; it was an event. It broke records on YouTube, becoming one of the fastest-growing Indian music videos at the time. More importantly, it cemented a visual identity for the film. The powerful imagery of shah rukh khan and Kajol against those majestic waterfalls and glaciers became instantly iconic.
It also sparked a tourism trend. Following the song’s release, there was a notable surge in Indian tourists traveling to Iceland, a phenomenon often called the “Bollywood effect.” Travel agencies began offering specific “Gerua” tour packages, proving that the song’s impact extended far beyond the cinema screen.
The cost, therefore, was an investment in creating a piece of art that defined the movie and left a lasting imprint on pop culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much did it cost to shoot the Gerua song?
According to Farah Khan, the total cost of shooting the “Gerua” song sequence was approximately Rs. 7 crore (70 million Indian rupees).
2. Where was the Gerua song shot?
The primary shooting locations were in Iceland. Key spots included the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, the Jökulsárlón diamond beach, and various stunning waterfalls and landscapes across the country.
3. Why is filming in Iceland so expensive?
Iceland is expensive due to high local costs for transportation, accommodation, and food. Additionally, complex filming permits for its protected natural areas, the need for local crew, and the logistical challenges of its remote and unpredictable environment all contribute to a high budget.
4. Which other Bollywood songs have been shot in Iceland?
While “Gerua” is the most famous, other films have also utilized Iceland’s beauty. Songs from Dilwale itself, as well as Jab Harry Met Sejal and Sanam Re, have featured Icelandic landscapes.
5. Who choreographed the Gerua song?
The “Gerua” song was choreographed by Farah Khan, who also directed the film Happy New Year and is a long-time collaborator with Shah Rukh Khan.
The Takeaway: More Than Just a Song
The story behind “Gerua” reminds us that the magic of cinema is often a carefully engineered illusion, backed by immense ambition and budget. It was a gamble—to spend a fortune on a six-minute sequence. But in doing so, the creators gave us something that remains etched in our memory: a perfect blend of music, emotion, and the raw, powerful beauty of nature.
It makes you appreciate the craft that goes into these spectacular visuals. The next time you watch a breathtaking song, you’ll know there’s a world of logistics, passion, and, quite literally, a small fortune behind it.
What’s the most visually stunning Bollywood song you’ve ever seen? Does the behind-the-scenes cost change how you view it? Let me know your thoughts
