When Punjabi film director Rohit Jugraj steps onto a foreign film set, something extraordinary happens. The usual barriers between cultures – language, customs, even time zones – start to dissolve as crews from different continents learn each other’s rhythms. One day you’re teaching a Swiss cinematographer how to capture the perfect bhangra sequence, the next you’re discovering how Danish coffee breaks can become impromptu story sessions.
Filmmaking becomes about more than just finding pretty backdrops. It’s about genuine human connection, the kind that happens when creative people from different worlds roll up their sleeves and work together to tell stories that matter.
From Swiss Alps to Cultural Exchange
Indian cinema has always had wanderlust. Since the 1960s, filmmakers like Raj Kapoor and Yash Chopra have been seeking out distant mountains and foreign shores to frame their stories. The Swiss Alps became legendary in Bollywood after films like ‘Sangam’ and ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, turning snowy peaks into symbols of romance for generations of Indian audiences.
Those early adventures were often about finding exotic locations to drop Indian stories into. Today’s filmmakers are thinking differently. Take Rohit Jugraj, whose Punjabi hits like ‘Sardaarji’ and ‘Jatt James Bond’ prove that regional stories told with authenticity can captivate huge audiences. He holds the rare distinction of creating blockbusters with both Diljit Dosanjh and Gippy Grewal, understanding that the strongest films come from genuine cultural roots.
Now Jugraj is ready to plant those same roots in international soil, not to escape Indian stories but to let them grow in new directions.
Coffee Breaks and Creative Discoveries
The new wave of Indo-international collaboration isn’t about Indian crews flying in, shooting their scenes and flying out again. It’s about embedding with each other’s creative communities, sharing skills and building friendships that outlast any single project.
‘Having told stories deeply rooted in Indian culture, it’s now time to build bridges across borders – so that stories, skills and systems can travel globally,’ explains Jugraj. ‘We’re creating something that enables scale, sincerity and cultural exchange.’
The initiative, spearheaded through lineproducersindia.in, represents a different approach to international filmmaking. Rather than just accessing new locations, the focus is on building new networks of creativity that benefit everyone involved. Indian technical crews learn European lighting techniques whilst foreign editors discover the intricate art of Bollywood song picturisation.
Manav Paul, who founded the platform, puts it simply: ‘We’re building networks of creativity and commerce between India and the world.’
The People Behind the Magic
Behind every great collaboration are individuals who understand that the best films come from trust and shared vision. Jugraj brings the creative leadership and production insight that made him a trailblazer in Punjabi cinema. His ability to blend action, comedy and drama whilst keeping stories authentically rooted has earned him recognition across Indian film industries.
Manav Paul handles the complex elements, drawing on years of experience in international film trading and managing remakes between Indian and foreign markets. His expertise in intellectual property rights and cross-border negotiations makes him ideally suited for complex international partnerships.
Ranimol T.A., Director of Reliable Entertainment and Media, manages the operational execution. ‘Through this collaboration, we aim to empower Indian filmmakers with the infrastructure and international access they need to thrive globally,’ she explains.
Kshitij Arora provides advisory guidance and global outreach, drawing on decades of international connections. ‘Knowing Manav for over two decades, I can confidently say this is a strong step in the right direction.’
Learning Through Making
What makes these partnerships special aren’t just the formal agreements but the unexpected moments of cultural discovery. International crews working in India often find themselves invited into local communities, learning not just about filmmaking techniques but about family traditions, regional cuisines and storytelling methods passed down through generations.
When Indian technicians work on European sets, they bring perspectives on colour, music and narrative rhythm that can completely change how foreign filmmakers approach their own stories. The cultural exchange extends beyond the film set, creating lasting relationships that influence future projects.
What This Means for Movie Lovers
For audiences, this cultural cross-pollination promises films that feel both familiar and surprising. Instead of Indian stories simply using foreign locations as pretty backdrops, imagine Punjabi characters whose adventures take them through Danish design studios or Moroccan spice markets, where the local culture becomes part of the story itself.
These collaborations could produce films where a Mumbai street food vendor teaches his craft to a French chef, or where a Rajasthani folk musician collaborates with Norwegian composers to create something entirely new. The possibilities extend far beyond tourism – they’re about creating stories that reflect how our world actually works, where cultures blend and influence each other in beautiful, unpredictable ways.
Recent examples of successful international co-productions show how blending diverse cultural elements and filmmaking styles can increase both artistic quality and audience reach, creating content that resonates across different markets.
Beyond the Screen
These partnerships also open doors for film tourism that goes deeper than visiting famous shooting locations. When audiences see authentic cultural exchanges on screen – Indian crews working alongside international teams, learning from each other’s traditions – it inspires them to seek out those same kinds of meaningful connections in their own travels.
Film tourism research shows that movies depicting genuine cultural interaction and local traditions encourage viewers to engage more deeply with communities they visit, moving beyond surface-level sightseeing to authentic cultural exchange.
An Adventure Everyone Can Join
The best films often come from friendships, curiosity and the willingness to step outside familiar territory. Whether you’re someone who loves discovering new perspectives through cinema, or you’re curious about different cultures, this wave of cross-cultural collaboration offers something for everyone.
As these partnerships develop, Indian cinema’s global footprint will expand not through conquest but through connection. Stories will travel not just to find new markets but to find new friends. Somewhere in a bustling Mumbai market or a quiet European café, the next great cross-cultural film friendship is probably already beginning.
The adventure in international storytelling isn’t just for filmmakers – it’s for anyone curious enough to discover what happens when cultures meet, stories mingle and creative boundaries disappear. Whether as audiences or future film festival enthusiasts, we’re all invited to be part of this expanding world of cinematic friendship.
