Bollywood Film ‘Dastaar’ Brings £1.2 Million to Hull Economy
The Punjabi-language crime drama Dastaar, filmed in and around Hull in late 2025, delivered a significant economic boost to the region, injecting over £1.2 million into the local economy during its nine-week shoot.
Produced by Northern Films and starring Tarsem Jassar, Dastaar is set in the 1980s and tells a gritty story of courage, faith, and overcoming adversity, inspired by the experiences of Sikhs who migrated to the UK and faced discrimination. The film marked a milestone as the first Punjabi-language feature to be produced in East Yorkshire.
Economic Impact on the Region
According to Andrew Fenton, managing director of Northern Films, the production’s expenditure was primarily directed toward local services, including accommodation and catering for approximately 130 crew members who traveled from India. Additional spending covered the hiring of local actors, equipment rental, period-accurate vehicles, and location fees at sites such as Carlton Towers near Goole and the Humber Bridge.
Fenton emphasized that nearly 95% of the film was shot in and around Hull, a level of localized filming he noted was unusual for productions of this scale. “I don’t think there’s a film that’s had that level of shooting within the same area,” he said, adding that showcasing Hull’s capabilities could encourage future film companies to choose the region.
Cultural Authenticity and Local Collaboration
The production prioritized cultural authenticity, working closely with local South Asian communities and utilizing regional expertise in Hindi-Urdu dialogue coaching. This approach reduced the need for post-production automated dialogue replacement (ADR) by an estimated 18%, according to industry analysis.
Northern Films had spent over two years promoting Hull as a destination for low-impact filming before securing Dastaar. Fenton described the project as an “historic milestone” in those efforts, expressing hope that its success would pave the way for more Punjabi and international productions in the area.
Filming Locations and Production Scale
Dastaar featured a 100-strong cast and crew, with filming taking place across East Yorkshire, including scenes shot at Carlton Towers—a stately home near Goole that served as a key backdrop. The production also utilized disused textile mills and period-accurate street markets to reflect the 1980s setting.
Despite being a Bollywood production, the film relied heavily on local talent and resources, with over 200 regional technicians, artisans, and extras employed during the shoot. Northern Films coordinated logistics, including sourcing authentic 1980s vehicles and managing extras, underscoring its role as a core production partner.
Industry Context and Future Outlook
The Dastaar production reflects a broader trend of international filmmakers seeking cost-effective, authentic locations outside traditional hubs like London. Film and TV spending in UK regions outside London has increased by 34% year-on-year, driven by streaming platforms’ demand for diverse content and regional tax incentives.
As streaming services continue to prioritize global stories, projects like Dastaar demonstrate how regional UK cities can leverage their unique cultural and architectural assets to attract international investment. Northern Films aims to build on this momentum, positioning Hull as a sustainable destination for future film and television projects.
While Dastaar is scheduled for premiere in July 2026, with hopes for a special screening in Hull, its economic and cultural impact has already been felt across the region—highlighting the growing role of cinema as a catalyst for local development.