From ivy-covered halls to grand lecture rooms, these Indian colleges have transcended academia to become unforgettable cinematic backdrops.

Coming-of-age stories set against the backdrop of Indian colleges have long captivated Hindi filmmakers. Few settings offer as much cinematic richness as the hallways of a school, the stone arches of a boarding institution, or the sprawling greens of a college campus. These Indian colleges are more than just backdrops-they are transformative landscapes, both physically and emotionally, where characters navigate identity, ambition, and belonging. From the heritage buildings of St. Paul’s School in Main Hoon Na to the grand Greco-Roman-inspired architecture of Student of the Year (1 & 2) and the laid-back, almost bohemian charm of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in 3 Idiots, Bollywood has long relied on educational institutions to frame stories of self-discovery, rebellion, and romance.

FLAME University

Located atop the hills of Lavale in Pune, FLAME University is a blend of modern minimalism and natural harmony. Defined by its clean lines, expansive glass facades, and open courtyards, the campus flawlessly integrates contemporary design with the surrounding landscape.

It’s no surprise then that FLAME University became the set for Nadaaniyan, Dharma Productions’ film marking Ibrahim Ali Khan’s debut alongside Khushi Kapoor. The film, aiming to explore the themes of young love, finds an apt visual metaphor in the university’s architecture. The airy classrooms, amphitheater-like gathering spaces, and panoramic hillside views only accentuates this youthful ambience that Naadanyian wished to capture.