Octopussy is forever in Udaipur, India

Twenty-two years and still going strong. Clearly Rajasthan's picturesque lake city just can't get enough of "Octopussy", the 13th James Bond film that showcases the beauty of its lakes and palaces and has been screened every day since 1983 - reports Web India.

Quite simply, people here like the Hollywood blockbuster starring Roger Moore, Kabir Bedi and former Indian tennis ace Vijay Amritraj shaken, stirred and every which way.

The movie, which was shot around the city's famous Lake Pichola, is screened at an estimated 20-25 local cafes around the lake every evening to lure tourists. As soon as the sun dips over the horizon, these open air cafes, evocatively named Transmarine, Ashiana, Panorama, Sunrise and the like, begin showing the film - for free of course.

Said Krishna of the Panorama Guesthouse: "My restaurant has been screening 'Octopussy' for the last 14 years. I must mention the interest among the watchers, especially the foreigners, remains the same."

"The movie is useful for tourists as they get tips on where to visit in this city of lakes as some of the places have been shot beautifully in the film," Krishna told IANS.

"The serenity around the lake, the cool breeze, a drink and a James Bond movie spell real bliss for tourists. The ambience along with the movie gives foreign tourists a certain thrill and they come here to unwind, taking a break from their five-star luxury."

The film itself, ironically, merges footage shot in palaces of Udaipur as well as the Rajasthan capital Jaipur.

Said Manoj Kumar, manager of another café: "We have been showing the movie for the last 18 years. This film is complete sightseeing in itself. Many tourists and even locals come to enjoy it," he said.

"The movie is successful here as firstly it was shot in Udaipur and secondly because it's a James Bond movie. The show definitely helps us to increase our business. Lots of tourists come here to watch the movie over their drinks and snacks."

Tourists love it too.

Said Michael Smith, a tourist from the US: "The free style arrangement of an open-air theatre in these cafes is admirable."

Brigid from Britain said: "First you see the locations in the movie and then you see them in reality next day. It's a thrilling experience as you feel yourself to be a part of the movie. I really loved the experience."

Talk about the seamless merging of reel and real life.

Thanks to `Rezaul` for the alert.

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