The first Indian “Bollywood” cinema production ever to film in Malta completed shooting last weekend. The musical dance sequences of this romantic story, titled Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya (Will you come from the Sky?), were filmed in various localities in Malta and Gozo, namely Mdina, Valletta, Ghaxaq, Floriana, Kalkara, Birgu, San Lawrenz, Salina, Msida, Ghar Lapsi, Comino, Anchor’s Bay, Mellieha and Dingli. Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya is directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, best known for his numerous successful action films. Two of his last eight movies have been shot in the United States. The music score is by Oscar-winning music director A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire).The film stars two of the most sought after Indian actors in South India, Trisha Krishnan and Tesingu Rajendar Silambarasan. In Indian cinema the stars are traditionally referred as the “heroine” and “hero”. During their work in Malta they were often asked for autographs by Indian tourists who immediately recognised their “heros”. The decision to film in Malta was made barely 10 days prior the start of shooting, and the short-notice was mainly due to the availability of the two main stars. The director therefore made a very rough pre-selection of Maltese locations using photographs sent via the internet. The producers’ initial reaction upon landing in Malta was that the island was too small to offer the variety of locations they were after, but a recce around Malta and Gozo immediately convinced them not only to forego the consideration of including other countries in their shoot, but to extend their original filming schedule on the island by three days. Total shooting in Malta consisted of eight days. Picturesque locations were chosen for the song sequences and great efforts have been made to showcase Malta and Gozo in a very recognisable manner. The film will be released in India this September and will later also reach international audiences in various countries with large Indian communities. Director Gautham intends to return next year to shoot his upcoming action film entirely in Malta.