Sam Mendes' Upcoming James Bond Film to Shoot In India (Report)

NEW DELHI – India's Information and Broadcasting Ministry has reportedly given shooting permissions for the next James Bond installment – helmed by Sam Mendes – to possibly film in multiple locations including Delhi, Goa and near Ahmedabad in the western state of Gujarat.

our editor recommends

James Bond making passage to India first

The Times of India newspaper reported Wednesday that the Daniel Craig-starrer has been given permission to shoot in locations in North Goa with the exception of some railway locations “due to security concerns.” But the report added that according to sources, the production team is in discussions with India's Railway Ministry to obtain permissions for shooting in two railway locations in Goa. Earlier reports had indicated that the Bond production team required to film a railway action sequence.

Similarly near Ahmedabad, the production has sought permissions to shoot in an area that is close to certain power and fuel installations. Quoting a source, the report said, “We have suggested that these vital installations be avoided during the shoot in this area.”

In the capital Delhi, the Bond production is expected to shoot in the crowded old bazaar area of Daryaganj and in the Sarojini Nagar flea market popular for its many clothing stalls and shops while Mumbai is also expected to be on the agenda.

Set for release in 2012, Bond 23 marks the 50th anniversary of the successful franchise.
 
India has been on the itinerary for recent international productions such as the upcoming Ang Lee-directed Life of Pi, Roland Joffe's historic epic Singularity and Michael Winterbottom's upcoming Trishna which sets Thomas Hardy's  Tess of the d'Urbervilles in India starring Freida Pinto.