Apparently it’s not Bollywood, it’s Pollywood, according to our movie location correspondent Angus Young.
Hull has been used as a location for a number of feature films and TV dramas over recent years, but Dastaar is the first Punjabi-language movie to be filmed in this neck of the woods. Filming started last month with scenes being shot in Hull city centre, including Trinity House Lane and the Northern Academy of Performing Arts which doubled as a police station.There’s even been a murder scene filmed under Myton Bridge.
Outside the city, the 100-strong cast and crew have also filmed at Carlton Towers and Rawcliffe Bridge near Goole and the Old Tile Yard in Barton. The film stars Tarsem Jassar, a huge acting and music star in the Punjab region of India, and is set in the 1980s, telling a gritty action story of courage, faith and overcoming adversity.
Hopes are high that more Punjabi productions could follow once the film has wrapped as costs are generally much lower than filming in and around London and much easier logistically. The film’s producers first started seriously looking at East Yorkshire as a location for the shoot nearly 12 months ago at an international film expo in London where Hull-based Northern Films were exhibiting for the first time, showcasing the region’s potential for visiting filmmakers.
Northern Films’ managing director Andrew Fenton said: “Over the past two years we have worked diligently to promote Hull and the surrounding area as a prime location for low-impact filming. Attracting a film like Dastaar marks an historic milestone in our efforts and we couldn’t be more excited about the unique opportunities it brings to the region. With filming now nearly finished, we are delighted with the locations selected for the project and extend our own heartfelt gratitude to all parties involved in making this production a reality in our area.”
Carlton Towers near Goole has proved the backdrop for some of the filming. Jo Little, business development manager at the venue, said: “It has been a fantastic experience to be able to bring a film project like this to the North instead of everything happening in London. It has got to be good for the local economy and we have really enjoyed being part of it.”
Gabriel Nicholas has seen part of his pottery workshop at the Old Tile Yard in Barton being used for action sequences. He said: “It was really interesting to see how it all came together. It seemed like organised chaos at times but then when I saw the actual footage they shot it was amazing. They have been really nice people to work with and I got to eat three excellent curries which was a bonus.”
Mr Fenton’s company is acting as a co-production partner, tasked with securing locations, sourcing 1980s vehicles and arranging call-outs for extras while Northern Films’ base in Priory Park in Hull has also been used as a production hub. He said: “Throughout the process we have had the privilege of meeting incredible individuals, from talented members of the Indian cast and crew to skilled German stunt performers. Our commitment to involving local talent has been paramount, creating a collaborative atmosphere in the production experience. The film is a beautiful fusion of Indian story-telling and culture and not only highlights the rich narratives of the Sikh community but is also having a really positive impact by benefitting the region’s economy.”