Marokkasari, an upcoming Telugu feel-good romantic drama, has created a unique milestone in Indian cinema by becoming the first Indian film to be shot at the iconic Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim.
The film is produced by B Chandrakanth Reddy under the CK Film Makers banner and is written and directed by Nithin Lingutla.
Starring Naresh Agastya and Sanjana Sarathy in the lead roles, Marokkasari is being planned as a multi-language release across all South Indian languages.
The makers aim to reach a wider audience through universal emotions and relatable storytelling.
Breaking away from conventional filmmaking, the team chose challenging yet visually stunning real locations to maintain authenticity and emotional depth.
Major portions of the film were shot across the scenic landscapes of Kerala, while some of the most demanding sequences were filmed at extreme high-altitude locations near the Tibet border, including the breathtaking Gurudongmar Lake point.
Located at an altitude of nearly 5,430 metres (17,800 feet) above sea level, Gurudongmar Lake is among the highest lakes in the world.
Shooting at this location required special permissions from the Armed Forces and was carried out under harsh conditions, including low oxygen levels, freezing temperatures, unpredictable weather, and restricted shooting hours.
Despite these challenges, the team successfully completed the schedule, achieving a rare visual feat in Indian cinema.
The production faced several logistical hurdles, such as difficult terrain, limited transport access, delays in moving equipment, complex local permissions, communication challenges, and power constraints.
Ensuring the health, safety, and morale of the cast and crew remained a top priority throughout the shoot.
The makers have specially acknowledged the efforts of production head Anudeep Paduru for efficiently managing operations under such demanding conditions.
With post-production nearing completion, Marokkasari is expected to announce its release date soon.