Nagpur has often been described as the heart of central India, but its cinematic connections are not as widely discussed. The city has gradually carved out its presence in Indian cinema, offering unique backdrops for stories that range from sports dramas to political tales. Filmmakers have been drawn to its locations for authenticity and depth, reflecting both the struggles and the everyday life of people in the region.

In recent years, Nagpur has become part of notable Hindi and Marathi productions that highlight its social and cultural landscape. Vidarbha’s central city is no longer just a geographical reference but also a setting that adds weight to a narrative. Each of these films highlights Nagpur not only as a place but as an integral part of the storyline.

1. Jhund (2021)

Directed by Nagraj Manjule, Jhund marked one of the most ambitious projects to be shot extensively in Nagpur. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan as Dr Vijay Barse, the founder of Slum Soccer, whose work with underprivileged children in the city inspired the story. The production took place in Nagpur during 2018, with scenes filmed in local neighbourhoods, playgrounds and slums, ensuring the narrative remained grounded in the environment where Barse’s initiative was born. The story follows how football was used as a tool to bring together marginalised youth and provide them with a new path. The filmmakers collaborated with real participants from Slum Soccer, many of whom featured in supporting roles, adding further authenticity.

When the film was released, critics noted the importance of its Nagpur setting in underlining the struggles faced by the characters. The inclusion of actual locations in the city gave audiences a first-hand view of life in Vidarbha through a cinematic lens.

2. Minus 31: The Nagpur Files (2023)

Minus 31: The Nagpur Files is a Hindi neo-noir crime thriller set during the devastating second wave of COVID-19 in India. The film presents the challenges of law enforcement as well as the failures in systemic responses during that time. Nagpur’s streets, neighbourhoods and closed spaces serve as the primary backdrop, with the city itself becoming a character in the story. The plot centres on a police investigation that overlaps with the rise of underground hip-hop culture in Nagpur. This juxtaposition allows viewers to see the youth-driven artistic expressions that emerged even during times of crisis. The director, Pratik Moitro, captured the emptiness of the city under restrictions and the hidden narratives unfolding within it.

Many local references were included in dialogue and setting, making it familiar to residents of the area. The film’s title itself emphasises Nagpur, positioning the city not just as a backdrop but as the focus of its narrative direction.

3. Welcome Home (2020)

Welcome Home is a psychological horror thriller, drawing inspiration from a real incident in Nagpur. The film follows two government schoolteachers who fall victim to a terrifying situation when they are trapped inside a remote house during a survey visit. The setting reflects the realities of certain isolated areas near Nagpur, providing the story with an authentic geographical anchor. The script was based on events reported in the city, making it a chilling reminder of crimes that can emerge in unexpected places. While the production was primarily staged indoors, the reference to Nagpur’s location and context remained central to its identity.

The film brought out the stark contrast between everyday government service work and the horrific turn of events the characters faced. Released on Sony LIV, the thriller gained attention for its unique approach to portraying true events linked to Nagpur. The connection with the city remained strong in how the incident was framed within its boundaries.

4. Paisa Paisa (2016)

The Marathi film Paisa Paisa unfolds in a tightly bound timeline of four hours, exploring the decisions made by its lead character in a desperate situation. The narrative moves between Mumbai and Nagpur, with the latter playing a pivotal role in the protagonist’s journey. The story revolves around Kiran, who faces unexpected financial difficulties and must navigate tense circumstances to protect his loved ones. In Nagpur, scenes depict the local environment and connect the city to the protagonist’s crisis. The shooting captured parts of the city that had not often been showcased in Marathi cinema, giving audiences a more direct view of Nagpur as part of the unfolding drama.

The film relied on both urban shots and quieter localities to balance its intense storyline. By situating part of the story in Nagpur, the director highlighted how personal dilemmas can connect with the atmosphere of the city. The inclusion of this Vidarbha hub strengthened the film’s focus on relatable struggles.

5. Nagpur Adhiveshan (2016)

Nagpur Adhiveshan is a Marathi political drama firmly rooted in the political culture of the city. The story revolves around two government officials who are tasked with organising the annual winter session of the state legislature, which takes place in Nagpur every year. The plot captures the complexities, disputes and manoeuvring that occur behind the scenes of this significant political event. Much of the film was shot within the city, especially near government buildings and political venues. The filmmakers placed great importance on representing Nagpur as a centre of political activity, as the city has historically hosted the winter legislative session since the state’s formation.

The storyline makes frequent references to the pressures faced by administrators in balancing political interests and procedural duties. By basing the drama in Nagpur, the film underscores the city’s identity as Maharashtra’s political capital during the winter session. The authenticity of its setting and context gave the narrative a distinctly regional grounding.

Nagpur’s contribution to Indian cinema is marked by stories that highlight its role not only as a filming location but also as an inseparable part of the narrative. Each of the films discussed captures different aspects of the city, from grassroots sports movements to political conventions, and from crime thrillers to real-life inspired horror. Vidarbha’s central city has increasingly been featured in both Hindi and Marathi productions, showing its ability to serve as a stage for varied genres. The growing list of films set and shot in Nagpur reflects the recognition of its social and cultural importance.

By providing directors with real locations that connect to the storylines, the city has steadily established itself as a space that can enhance the authenticity of cinema. As filmmakers continue to explore regional backdrops, Nagpur is expected to hold its ground in the evolving map of Indian filmmaking.