The historic Bekal Fort in Kasaragod, forever immortalized by the soulful 'Uyire Uyire' song from Mani Ratnam's seminal film Bombay, is set for a grand cinematic reunion. This Saturday, the fort's ramparts will echo with nostalgia as key members of the film's legendary team return, marking a significant moment for Kerala's ambitious cine-tourism initiative.
A Star-Studded Pilgrimage to an Iconic Location
The event will see acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, lead actor Manisha Koirala, and renowned cinematographer Rajiv Menon walk the grounds of Bekal Fort once again. They will be accompanied by Kerala's Tourism and Public Works Minister, P A Mohamed Riyas. This visit is not merely a walk down memory lane; it is a strategic move to highlight the state's film tourism potential, officially announced in 2023.
Later on the same day, the dignitaries will attend the inauguration of the Bekal International Beach Festival. This festival is scheduled to run from Saturday, December 23rd, until December 31st, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the occasion.
Celebrating a Cinematic Legacy and Boosting Tourism
At its heart, this gathering commemorates the three-decade journey of Bombay, a film that profoundly impacted India's cultural and cinematic landscape with its powerful narrative and unforgettable visuals. The initiative, jointly organized by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) and the Kerala Tourism Department, aims to reconnect audiences with iconic film locations and strengthen the region's appeal to tourists.
The state's cine-tourism project is designed to showcase popular film locations across Kerala, allowing tourists to visit the actual spots where landmark movies were shot and relive their cinematic nostalgia. Mani Ratnam had pledged his support for this project during a meeting with Minister Riyas back in 2023, making this weekend's event a fulfillment of that collaborative vision.
The Lasting Impact of the Initiative
This high-profile reunion at Bekal Fort serves multiple purposes. It honors a classic Indian film, provides a major boost to local tourism in the Kasaragod region, and sets a precedent for celebrating cinema as a driver of cultural and economic activity. By bringing the creative minds behind Bombay back to the location that hosted one of its most iconic sequences, the event promises to create a fresh wave of interest among both film enthusiasts and travel lovers, effectively bridging the gap between reel and real.
