Blog

Blogs

31 May 2025

Lights, Camera, Fort Kochi: A Cinematic Escape at The Old Lighthouse

Who doesn’t like movies? Almost no one. Iconic movie locations like Pangong Lake in Leh-Ladakh famous for the climax of 3 Idiots or the Chapora Fort in Goa, remembered for Dil Chahta Hai, have become as unforgettable as the movies themselves. Similarly, Fort Kochi has long been a haven for cinematographers and movie lovers. With its picturesque charm, calm shorelines, and vibrant streets, it is a filmmaker’s dream. Blending history, culture, and coastal beauty into every frame.

Some of the most iconic Malayalam films part of what is fondly called Mollywood have been shot in Fort Kochi. Think of the famous steps of the Vasco BigB House featured in the cult classic BigB starring Mammootty, or Parava, directed by Soubin Shahir, which was entirely filmed in Fort Kochi and deeply resonated with the local community and culture. Whether it’s a drama-seeking soul, romance-seeking poetry, or a period film-seeking character, Fort Kochi has it all.

At the heart of Fort Kochi stands the prestigious Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel, a timeless monument to elegance, waiting to welcome you into its courtyards where time seems to stand still. Let’s explore some of the iconic settings of Fort Kochi that make it a filmmaker’s paradise.

Buildings with Architectural Heritage

A simple stroll through the serene streets of Fort Kochi reveals houses and buildings rich in architectural significance. Some look like they’ve stepped straight out of a movie set, echoing the eras in which they were built.

Fort Kochi’s structures reflect the different colonial influences that shaped its history.

Portuguese Era (1500s–1663): Portuguese bungalows near St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in India) showcase symmetry and spaciousness, key elements of Portuguese design.
Dutch Era (1663–1795): Dutch buildings brought in more geometric, austere structures. Think wooden floors, ornate interiors, large shuttered windows, and flat facades, many of which still stand proudly today.
British Era (1795–1947): The British introduced neo-classical features Victorian verandahs, cast-iron railings, and sprawling bungalows. The Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel itself is a fine example from this period, constructed in 1927–28.

Together, these structures form a living museum of styles making Fort Kochi a visually rich and historically resonant location, perfect for period films or stories that blend the past with the present.

Why Choose The Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel for Movies?

Constructed during the British era, The Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel embodies the elegance and grandeur of the time. With high ceilings, large shuttered windows, and expansive verandahs, it’s an ideal backdrop for capturing that vivid vintage feeling on screen. The interiors are equally captivating with polished wooden floors and antique furniture that bring alive the British colonial aesthetic. Every corner whispers stories of a bygone era, making it easier for filmmakers to evoke authenticity in their storytelling.

And then comes the crown jewel the sea-facing view. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the hotel was once where Sir Robert Bristow oversaw port activities. Today, it offers direct beach access, a stunning sea-facing restaurant, and sunsets that belong in the cinema. The shifting hues of twilight, the sound of waves lapping the shore, and the soft sea breeze everything here add emotion to your frame. From historical epics to art-house pieces, this is where imagination meets atmosphere.

What more could one ask for in a classic vintage setting?

The Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel is a location cherished by visual storytellers for its atmosphere, architecture, and sense of timelessness. We’re here to support you with everything you need for your film. Bring your story to life. Conceptualise your location today. Choose The Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel, where stories begin.