Bollywood in Cyprus: Ishqa, Filming Spots and Indian Films

Picture it: a hero running along a golden beach at sunset, a song sequence on a mountain road lined with pine trees, a wedding scene in a stone village square. For years, Bollywood has found these backdrops in Switzerland, London or Dubai. Now Cyprus is stepping into the frame.

Ishqa: the first Bollywood film to be shot in Cyprus

During his State Visit to India in May, President Nikos Christodoulides announced in Mumbai that a Bollywood feature film would be shot on the island for the first time. The film, Ishqa, is a romantic comedy-drama from Indian producer, writer and director Anjali Bhushan Mago, working with Cypriot producer and director Athena Xenidou of Ray Films.

The President called Cyprus "an open studio", pointing out that coastlines, countryside, heritage buildings and modern city settings are all just a short drive apart, and that the country offers incentives to attract international productions. The film is planned to be shot, co-produced and post-produced in Cyprus, with a release aimed at Valentine's Day 2027.

For those of us living here, it's a proud moment: the island we now call home is set to appear on cinema screens across India.

Scenes waiting to happen: our Bollywood location wishlist

If Ishqa is just the beginning, here are the spots we'd love to see on the big screen:

Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock), Paphos: the ultimate sunset song sequence, waves crashing against the famous sea stack.
Cape Greco and the sea caves, Ayia Napa: turquoise water and dramatic cliffs made for a slow-motion entry.
The Troodos mountains: winding roads, pine forests and snow in winter. Who needs Switzerland?
Lefkara village: stone houses and lace-lined lanes, perfect for a family wedding scene.
Kourion ancient theatre: a Greco-Roman stage overlooking the sea for a grand dance number.
Larnaca Salt Lake: pink flamingos in winter for a dreamy romantic moment.
Limassol Marina and the Molos promenade: sleek, modern and lit up at night for the city chapter of the story.
Old Nicosia's Venetian walls: history, narrow streets and a touch of mystery for the thriller sequel.

Where to watch Indian films in Cyprus

Indian films still reach Cyprus mostly through special screenings organised by the community, and recent releases have been shown to packed halls. The easiest way to catch the next one is to check our Events page and follow community groups on social media. For everything else, the major streaming platforms carry a growing library of Hindi and regional films, so movie night at home is never far away.

And when Ishqa does arrive, we'll be first in the queue, looking out for the streets and beaches we know.

Have a favourite Cyprus spot you think deserves a Bollywood song? Let us know on our social media.

Sources: Cyprusmail, ANI