Kasargod: Bekal is all set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic film ‘Bombay’, which showcased the scenic beauty of Bekal Fort on the silver screen. This milestone also marks the 30th anniversary of the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC), which helped bring the fort and the beach onto the world tourism map.

The celebration will be graced by director Mani Ratnam and actress Manisha Koirala. The event is scheduled for 4.30 pm on December 20 at Bekal Beach Park.

Cinematographer Rajeev Menon and Minister P A Muhammad Riyas are also expected to attend. The Kerala Tourism Department is bringing the film’s crew and key contributors to Bekal for the occasion. According to BRDC MD Shijin Parambath, the anniversary event is expected to attract more tourists to Bekal.

Released in 1995, the film’s song “Uyire uyire…” captured the hearts of Indian youth at the time. Even today, the song evokes memories of Bekal Fort, along with the performances of Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala. The song was shot against the backdrop of the fort, the beach and the monsoon rains. Certain scenes, including the first meeting of the lead pair Shankar and Shaila Banu and their homes, were filmed in Thalangara.

Bekal later became a sought-after destination for weddings, inspired by the film’s romantic locations. The anniversary celebrations, featuring the original stars and director, are expected to give a further boost to tourism and destination weddings in Bekal, according to the Tourism Department.