by Hayley Robinson

hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

When a Bollywood movie was left without a location on the last day of filming it was Medway Council that came to the rescue.

The makers of the film Veer starring Bollywood’s biggest male star Salman Khan, had been in England shooting various locations for the film, which is out later this year.

After a few days filming at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, they were meant to complete their series of shots at another location in the south east before heading back to India for editing.

But the filmmakers telephoned Medway Council on Wednesday night to say the location which was meant to show a period shot of a horse drawn carriage had fallen through and asked if they could help.

A spokesman for Medway Council said: "We told them that Rochester Castle Gardens and the outside of Rochester Cathedral would be an ideal setting and arranged for the filmmakers to shoot there the next day."

Vijay Galani, the producer of the film, said: "We have had a wonderful time in Medway. It’s a stunning place to be.

"We chose to film here because it has everything we need for our period film and Rochester Castle is perfect.

"We would like to thank Medway Council for allowing us to use it in our film at such short notice.

"When our cast arrived here they could not believe it - we only wish we could film more of it here in Medway".

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for Community services, said: "We are delighted that the castle and the cathedral were used for this film as it is great to get Medway and all it has to offer on to the international stage.

"I am pleased we were able to help the filmmakers and ensure that our area can be showcased to as wide and diverse an audience as possible."

The film Veer – which means warrior – is a period Bollywood movie set mainly in 1890’s England.