Southall has been a significant hub for film production in Britain since the early 1920s, making invaluable contributions to the industry through its studios, creative talents, and cinema culture.
The establishment of Southall Studios in 1924 by GB Samelson marked a turning point, with the production of the first film titled "It Is Never Too Late to Mend" in 1925, directed by Alexander Butler. Film production continued until the late 1950s, with over 65 films produced during this period.
In parallel with the growth of Southall Studios, the town witnessed the construction of four cinemas that became part of its cultural fabric. The Dominion Cinema, designed by architect Frederick E. Bromige, opened as a state-of-the-art venue and later transformed into a successful arts and cultural centre after its demolition in 1981. The Century Cinema, originally known as the Southall Electric Theatre, opened in 1910 and became the first cinema to showcase Bollywood films. It closed in 1980 and was transformed into the Tudor Rose Bar and Nightclub. The Palace Cinema, featuring a distinctive Chinese style exterior and art deco interior, opened as the New Paragon Palace in 1912 and was later renamed the Himalaya Cinema, which now screens Bollywood, Punjabi, and Tamil films. Finally, the Odeon Cinema, designed by architect George Coles, opened in 1936 and now serves as a superstore.
During the late 1950s, the Dominion Cinema became a venue for public meetings and music shows organized by the Indian Workers Association (IWA). The vibrant cinema culture in Southall attracted a diverse audience, and the traditional popcorn was replaced by samosas and masala chai. The popularity of Hindi movies brought audiences from across London, leading to the rise of a prosperous business community catering to this new customer base.
However, in the late 1970s, cinema halls faced challenges with the rise of home video technology. Specialist Indian video shops emerged, offering rentals of video machines and film packages. This had a significant impact on cinema attendance, and by the 1970s, the number of video machines owned by the British Asian community rivalled that of households in Japan.
Despite these changes, Southall continued to be a significant location for filmmakers, playwrights, and screenplay writers from the late 1980s onwards. Notable figures such as Harwant Bains, Gurinder Chadha, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Shakila Maan, Fatima Salaria, Melanie Sykes, Gita Sahgal, Colin Prescod, H. O. Nazareth, Faroukh Dhondhy, Faris Karmani have made Southall central to their work. Gurinder Chadha, in particular, gained prominence in British cinema with her 1981 film "I'm British But...," which showcased the underground Bhangra scene and went on to produce iconic films like "Bend It Like Beckham" and "Bride and Prejudice."
Southall also witnessed significant television interest in the 1980s and 1990s. Colin Prescod produced films on Black communities in Britain, including "Southall: A Town under Siege," documenting the uprisings of 1979. "A Fearful Silence," directed by Faris Karmani and produced by HO Nazareth, highlighted the work of Southall Black Sisters in a moving documentary on victims of domestic violence. Other documentaries, such as Joan Bakewell's "Heart of the Matter" and Gita Sahgal's "Provoked," brought attention to important issues like the Rushdie Affair and domestic violence.
The year 1999 saw the production of "Southall Stories," a TV documentary exploring Britain's Asian community with a focus on Southall. It depicted three generations of immigrant families as they witnessed social changes across the country.
Additionally, films like "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995), "Patiala House" (2011), and "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom" (2007) featured Southall as a backdrop, showcasing the thriving Brit Asian community and the unique blend of cultures.
Bollywood's fascination with Southall continued to grow, leading to its frequent use as a setting for films. Stars like Shahrukh Khan, Shabana Azmi, and Preity Zinta became regular fixtures on the streets of Southall. Notably, there are plans to produce a film about the Southall Uprising in 1979, featuring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. Bollywood's close connection to London is evident through the numerous films shot against iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the River Thames, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge. This affinity can be traced back to the 1950s when Indian immigrants flocked to London in search of a better life, and Bollywood films were screened in areas like Hounslow, Upton Park, and Southall.
Southall's rich cinematic history showcases its enduring significance in British film production, the influence it has had on Bollywood's representation of the British Asian experience, and the profound impact it has had on the local community and culture. As the film industry evolves, Southall's legacy as a vibrant and integral part of British cinema remains firmly established.
John Abraham and Bipasha Basu’s Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007) used the backdrop of Southall in London for the football-based film. John Abraham plays the role of a sought-after footballer by the struggling Southall United Football Club. Bipasha Basu played the role of his love interest and one of the player’s sisters. Reportedly, the setting for Simran’s (Kajol) house as well as her father’s (Amrish) store was set in Southall.
Akshay Kumar and Anushka Sharma’s Patiala House (2011) was shot in Southall. The film’s locations include the Oval and Lord's, Covent Garden, Harrow and Southall. It also examines the fallout of the Southall riots in the Seventies. Akshay Kumar told Evening Standard back then that, "Southall is a mini-India - it reminds me of a famous market I used to live on in Bombay, it's wonderful and oozes character, colour and charm. The food, the people, the amazing stores, what's not to like?
"We extensively shot in Southall and during the breaks, I would disguise myself so I could walk around the area, so I am quite familiar with the streets, the temples, the corner shops. London is a city of dreams, just like Mumbai." Producers also recreated Southall Broadway on a Mumbai film set.
Bollywood hit the streets of London with zest and pomp with the cast of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007). The film starred Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Bobby Deol and Lara Dutta.
Director Shaad Ali Sahgal explained his purpose for shooting in London. He said:
“My inspiration for Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007) was to explore the hearts of Indians in Southall.
“We wanted to shoot at major London locations which are very crowded but thanks to careful planning and coordination we managed to achieve fantastic results.”
