Visually Ambitious Telugu Films in Exotic Locations: On the Road & More
Telugu films exotic locations Explore how Telugu filmmakers are choosing remote, breathtaking landscapes — from Ladakh in On the Road to European backdrops in song sequences. A look at the trend, challenges, and standout films.
🌄 Why Exotic Locations Matter in Telugu Cinema
Telugu cinema is witnessing a visual evolution. Beyond studio sets and local backdrops, directors are now using landscapes as emotional and narrative tools.
Key Drivers:
- Visual Appeal: Unfamiliar terrains attract audience curiosity.
- Symbolism: Harsh deserts, snowfields, or cliffs mirror internal conflicts.
- Global Standards: Competing with visually rich Tamil and Malayalam films.
- Cinematic Prestige: Aesthetic grandeur elevates perception.
- Subsidy Factor: Nations like Georgia and Norway offer cash rebates for film shoots.
According to, production houses are actively scouting for scenic, cost-effective foreign destinations.
🚗 On the Road (2025): Case Study in Visual Storytelling
🎞️ Synopsis
On the Road follows a married couple, Aarav and Tanya, who embark on a Ladakh road trip to rekindle love — only for their journey to spiral into chaos after a surprise reunion with Tanya’s ex.
🎥 Visual Concept
The director wanted the Himalayan emptiness to mirror human isolation. Each frame in Ladakh — the long roads, frozen lakes, sand dunes — amplifies the tension and claustrophobia between the characters.
The film reportedly shot in sub-zero temperatures with a minimalist crew to maintain realism.
“The landscape was our third protagonist,” said director Surya Lakkoju in an interview.
⚙️ Cinematographic Highlights
- DOP Anirudh Joshi used wide-angle lenses and natural light for depth.
- Minimal color grading — snow-white terrain contrasts emotional warmth.
- Drone sequences over Pangong Tso add visual grandeur without CGI.
🎭 Reception
Though not a box-office juggernaut, critics praised On the Road for visual ambition and bold execution — marking a new chapter in Telugu cinematography.
🌍 Other Telugu Films Shot in Exotic Locations
| Film | Year | Primary Location | Visual Purpose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yevade Subramanyam | 2015 | Everest Base Camp, Nepal | To symbolize spiritual ascent | |
| Goodachari | 2018 | US, Saudi Arabia, Himachal | Spy thriller scale, realism | |
| Samajavaragamana | 2023 | Paris, France | Romance & luxury appeal | |
| Akhanda 2 (upcoming) | 2025 | Georgia | Mythic scale visual impact |
🎬 Challenges & Rewards
Challenges
- ❄️ Harsh weather: temperature extremes, limited oxygen.
- 🚛 Logistics: transporting heavy gear to remote locations.
- 💸 Budget overruns from unpredictable delays.
- 📋 Legal & visa hurdles for crew abroad.
Rewards
- 🌟 Unique visuals, fresh palette for audiences.
- 🎭 Adds emotional weight through landscapes.
- 🏞️ Boosts film tourism (fans visit shoot sites).
- 🖼️ Expands Telugu cinema’s visual identity globally.
🌅 Trends & Predictions
- More road dramas and travel thrillers on the way (e.g. K-Ramp, Telusu Kada feature travel arcs).
- Increasing cross-border co-productions to share filming costs.
- Drones, FPV shots, and digital mapping tools make extreme locations feasible.
- OTT buyers now prefer visually cinematic content over formulaic comedies.
As audiences grow accustomed to visual finesse from pan-India hits, Telugu films are rising to the occasion — crafting stories that travel both emotionally and geographically.
❓ FAQs
Q. What makes On the Road unique?
It’s the first Indian film completely shot in Ladakh, blending road-thriller storytelling with psychological realism.
Q. Are exotic locations used just for visuals?
Not anymore. Modern Telugu filmmakers integrate them into narrative and emotional subtext.
Q. Which other Telugu film uses locations metaphorically?
Yevade Subramanyam used Everest as a symbol of inner peace and self-discovery.
🔗 Useful Links
- Psychological & Experimental Telugu Films: A New Wave
- Viral Prapancham: Screenlife Telugu Cinema & Digital Relationships
- On the Road (2025) – Wikipedia
- Yevade Subramanyam (2015) – Wikipedia
- Goodachari – IndiaGlitz Feature
- Deccan Chronicle – Filmmakers Choosing Exotic Locations
- Times of India – Akhanda 2 Heads to Georgia
Author: Movishala Blog
Published On: October 15, 2025
