Cinema VinesLast weekend a wave of devotees and curious tourists surged into Kainchi Dham, the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon hills. The influx followed the release of the sleeper hit film Hanuman Ansh, which dramatises the life of the saint and showcases the ashram’s serene surroundings. Video clips and photos of packed pathways and long queues spread across social media, sparking a spontaneous pilgrimage that many had not planned before the film’s premiere.
According to a report in the Bombay Times published just before the weekend rush, Sanjeev Kumar, General Manager of Naukuchia House (IHCL SeleQtions) in Naukuchiatal, said the movie has “renewed attention on the spiritual landscape of Kumaon.” He added that film‑led interest can push travellers to explore beyond the screen, immersing them in local culture, faith, food, people and the landscape. The comment highlights how storytelling can transform a destination into a lived experience for visitors.
However, the sudden boom has exposed cracks in the region’s tourism infrastructure. ThePrint’s detailed investigation revealed that accommodation rates, normally between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000 per night, surged to as much as ₹7,000 during the rush. The crowd surge also caused traffic congestion and strained local services, prompting authorities to consider a registration system for visitors, at least on weekends, to better regulate the flow and safeguard the site’s serenity.
Across the globe, Indian audiences are once again drawn to a foreign destination, this time Italy, thanks to the new film Cocktail 2. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, the movie’s first half is set in picturesque Italian locales such as Catania, Noto, Siracusa, Castellammare del Golfo, Avola and Milan. The film’s vivid portrayal of these cities has rekindled interest among Indian travellers, contributing to a 38% jump in Italy bookings, as reported by the Bombay Times.
Aloke Bajpai’s commentary in the same report underscores how cinema can act as a catalyst for tourism, turning on‑screen scenery into real‑world travel destinations. Whether in the misty hills of Uttarakhand or the sun‑kissed streets of Sicily, the power of film to inspire wanderlust remains undiminished.
