Bond set to enjoy an Indian summer

FILMING on the next Bond movie is all set to get the go ahead – after authorities agreed to allow scenes to be shot in India.

Work on the next Daniel Craig-starring adventure – currently known as “Bond 23” – was said to have been held up while permission was granted to film in Goa.

At one stage there had been talk of moving the scenes to another country or delaying production for several weeks.

But now India’s information and broadcasting ministry is allowing locations including Delhi, Goa and the area around Ahmedabad to be used, the Times of India reported.

Scenes from the upcoming film, to be directed by Sam Mendes, are expected to be filmed in Daryaganj, Delhi’s bazaar area, and the Sarojini Nagar flea market.

Mumbai is also expected to feature.

Some railway stations are excluded “due to security concerns”, but the production team are reported to be in talks with India’s railway ministry to obtain permission to shoot in two railway locations in Goa.

They have also sought permission to shoot in an area near Ahmedabad, which is close to power and fuel installations.

“We have suggested that these vital installations be avoided during the shoot in this area,” a source said.

Bond 23 is set for a 2012 release, marking the 50th anniversary of the successful secret agent series.

The Bond film will join an increasing number of foreign films that are being shot in India, including Ang Lee’s Life Of Pi and Michael Winterbottom’s upcoming Trishna starring Freida Pinto.