Day Fourteen

As this is our last weekend in Hyderabad we didn’t want to miss the chance of seeing Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film studio where they are capable of shooting 24 movies at any one time. On entering we took the backstage bus tour, this allowed us to see the various sets including the airport, hospital, library, and little London. There were also a huge selection of themed gardens to be used as sets, with fountains, exotic flowers, Roman sculptures, Hindu goddesses and even a Wild West cactus garden. On the tour, we disembarked from the bus to visit some man-made caves which were adorned with beautiful reliefs of Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddess. Walking through the grounds we came across a simulation of a historical Indian palace where we were able to watch a traditional Indian puppet show.
To escape the rain and eat some lunch we visited “Jimmy’s Drive In” were again we dined on Indian fast food.
After lunch we visited Ramoji Tower to discover the thrill of a virtual free-fall, with the help of ascoustics and special effects. This was a rather naive simulator ride which allowed us to experience an earthquake and bomb blast, this sensation was continued in the deconstructed decor of the exit area from the ride. We also visited Filmi Duniya where we boarded a little train which took us on a guided tour around the world. We experienced a colourful imperial Rome, mystical palaces of Baghdad and the childish romance of Paris.

The Movie Magic area was our next port of call, an interactive experience were the audience were able to participate in the production of a short film. As luck would have it, three of our students were selected from a large crowd, one as leading lady, and the other two as special effects assistants. Begüm, dressed in a yellow sari, and seated in a Wild West carriage was filmed before a blue screen while her carriage was violently rocked by Yasemin and Başak. In post-production, children added the sound effects and the additional film of cowboys chasing Begüm in her carriage was added. The whole experience was rather funny and Begüm became an instant celebrity, for the rest of our visit many Indians were approaching her for photographs.
Other attractions which we visited included a Thrill Ride simulator, a Wild West stunt show and The Spirit of Ramoji dance show.