How India’s most scenic locations became the heart of Coldplay’s Hymn for the Weekend?

New Delhi: Coldplay’s Hymn for the Weekend is not just a song but an immersive visual journey fusing the vibrant Indian culture with global music. Filmed in India in October 2015, the music video has become a symbol of unity and celebration amongst the British band’s Indian fanbase.

With its captivating visuals, the video, featuring Beyoncé and Sonam Kapoor, was released on January 29, 2016. The track continues to be Coldplay’s most-viewed music video on YouTube as of January 2025.

The video’s theme revolves around the joyous Indian festival of Holi where colours, music and dance collide in a joyous explosion. From the get-go, the video offers a kaleidoscope of hues, the streets of Mumbai and Kolkata buzzing with life, echoing the festival’s spirit.

Hymn for the Weekend shooting location

Coldplay’s Hymn for the Weekend was shot at some stunning locations including Mumbai’s Fort Vasai, Worli Village and Maratha Mandir. Other filming locations include Kolkata and Varanasi. One of the standout filming locations is the Fort Vasai (also known as Bassein Fort) in Mumbai. This Portuguese-era fort stands tall and silent, juxtaposed beautifully with the lively festivities in the video. Featured prominently at the beginning and in between scenes, it adds an element of historical grandeur to the video’s energetic backdrop.

Moving from ancient fortifications to bustling streets, the video then takes us to Worli Village, a more urban setting in Mumbai. From the lively streets of Worli to the classic cinema hall of Maratha Mandir in Mumbai, every frame in the video captures the essence of Indian culture, heritage, and vibrancy.

However, it is Kolkata, the city of joy, that provides the perfect stage for the song’s grand finale. Its colonial architecture and intricate lanes, coupled with the festival of Holi, offer a fitting tribute to India’s rich cultural landscape. The collaboration of Coldplay with Beyoncé and Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor elevated this vibrant music video.