When it comes to doing a film on spiritualism or tracing the history of spiritual philosophies, and giving it colour through a love story, what better place to do it than the holy town of Varanasi.

And that's what Bollywood director Pankaj Parashar has come up with through the film "Benaras", a love story that evolves in the midst of philosophy and spirituality, giving it an all together different and interesting storyline.

"Benaras" is being filmed in Varanasi with a Benarasi crew. The film incorporates in itself the elements of spiritualism, philosophy and love. Directed by Pankaj Parashar, the film features Urmila Matondkar and Ashmit Patel.

The speciality of the film is that it is being shot only in Varanasi.

"The film also stars other big acting names like Raj Babbar. The director of the film feels that there are a lot of people who have heard and read about Benaras, but never actually got to see it on screen in the way that he portrays it. He aims to bring out the essence of Benaras in his film", said Urmila Matondkar.

"The theme of the film cannot be explained in brief. It is spiritual, it is a love story, about Benaras. It is about Indian philosophies and spiritualism, so it's a mix of all these elements. The speciality of Benaras city is that it's the spiritual root of our country. So, we have portrayed that in our film, in which you will be able to see spiritualism as well as an interesting story line," said Parashar.

The shooting will take place at various sites in Varanasi city, and will show the rites and rituals of the city and its way of life. The film is woven into the city. Benaras promises to be a film that will give a birdseye insight into culture of Varanasi.