Hanuman Ansh and Cocktail 2 Spark Tourism Surge: Kainchi Dham Sees Huge Crowds, Italy Bookings Up 38%
Films have long inspired travel plans, encouraging moviegoers to visit stunning locations featured on the big screen. Iconic destinations like Switzerland became dream spots for many Indians after Yash Chopra’s films showcased their beauty. Similarly, films like “Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai” (2000) sparked interest in New Zealand, while “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” (2011) made Spain a popular choice. More recently, “3 Idiots” (2009) turned Ladakh’s Pangong Lake into a must-visit site. Now, two new films, “Hanuman Ansh” and “Cocktail 2,” are once again demonstrating cinema’s power to boost tourism.
Surge in Tourism at Kainchi Dham
Last weekend, Kainchi Dham near Nainital, Uttarakhand, saw a significant influx of tourists and devotees. This surge is largely attributed to the sleeper hit “Hanuman Ansh,” which tells the story of Neeb Karoli Baba, whose ashram is located at Kainchi Dham. A report from Bombay Times highlighted the renewed interest in the spiritual landscape of Kumaon, with Sanjeev Kumar, General Manager of Naukuchia House, stating, “The interest around Hanuman Ansh, Neem Karoli Baba and Kainchi Dham has renewed attention on the spiritual landscape of Kumaon. Film-led interest can encourage travellers to look beyond the screen and discover the local culture, faith, food, people and landscape. That is when storytelling becomes meaningful for a destination – when a film sparks curiosity and leads to a more personal journey.”
However, the sudden popularity has also created challenges for the local community. A detailed report from ThePrint revealed that the influx of tourists has strained local resources. Rooms that typically cost between Rs. 2,000-3,000 per night were being offered for as much as Rs. 7,000 during the recent rush. The overwhelming crowds have led to traffic congestion and increased pressure on local infrastructure.
In response to these challenges, authorities are considering implementing stricter measures. Reports indicate that the administration plans to introduce a registration system for visitors, initially on weekends, to help manage the crowds and ensure a smoother experience for devotees.
Italy Captivates Indian Audiences Again
Meanwhile, Italy has captured the imagination of Indian moviegoers once more, thanks in part to “Cocktail 2,” featuring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna. A significant portion of the film is set against the backdrop of stunning Italian locations, including Catania, Noto, Siracusa, Castellammare del Golfo, Avola, and Milan. The film beautifully showcases these picturesque sites, giving viewers yet another reason to consider Italy for their next vacation.
According to a report from Bombay Times, Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO of ixigo, noted a substantial increase in travel interest following the film’s release. “Since Cocktail 2 was released, bookings on our site to and from Italy are up 38% YoY,” he stated. He also referenced the Great Indian Travel Index report, which highlighted significant growth in bookings to cities across Northeast India, with Dimapur seeing a 77% increase and Agartala a 48% increase. Bajpai remarked, “We are seeing the same internationally. Sicily, featured in The White Lotus, The Odyssey and Cocktail 2, is a great example.”
These developments illustrate the far-reaching influence of cinema beyond box office numbers. While films can introduce audiences to destinations they may never have considered visiting, the growing popularity of these locations raises questions about whether local infrastructure can accommodate the sudden influx of tourists. “Hanuman Ansh” and “Cocktail 2” serve as contrasting examples of how the magic of movies can translate into real-world travel and economic opportunities, along with unexpected challenges.
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