“Christmas as Usual” is a Netflix movie that takes a different turn from its title. Instead of a regular Christmas, the story is about Thea, who goes back to her rural hometown with her Indian fiancé, Jashan, to celebrate Christmas and their engagement. But things don’t go as planned. Thea’s mother struggles to accept her daughter’s choices, leading to a Christmas full of surprises and clashes between Norwegian traditions and Jashan’s Indian culture. The movie, written and directed by Petter Holmsen, features talented actors like Ida Ursin-Holm, Kanan Gill, Marit Adeleide Andreassen, and others. Since the movie is set in a small Norwegian town, you might wonder where it was filmed.
Where was “Christmas as Usual” filmed?
The production team of “Christmas as Usual” chose Norway as the filming location. Most of the filming took place in and around Rauland, a beautiful area known for its scenic landscapes. The principal photography started in February 2023 and finished by late March 2023, taking about a month and a half to complete. The stunning Norwegian scenery, with its snow-covered landscapes and Northern Lights, was a perfect backdrop for the movie. The natural beauty of Norway added a magical touch to the Christmas setting, making it ideal for this kind of film.
Rauland, Norway
The main filming location for “Christmas as Usual” was Rauland, a former municipality that is now part of Vinje Municipality in Norway. The interior scenes of Thea’s house were shot inside an actual private residence in Rauland. The filmmakers wanted to create a realistic and cozy Norwegian home atmosphere, and they succeeded by using a real house for the shooting. Since the movie was filmed in winter, the snow-filled streets and valleys in Rauland matched the Christmas theme perfectly. The production team didn’t need to use any fake snow, as the natural snow in Rauland was more than enough to create the right wintery feel.
Kanan Gill’s Experience: Kanan Gill, a popular Indian stand-up comedian, played the role of Jashan in “Christmas as Usual.” He shared his experience of filming in Norway on social media. He mentioned how lucky he felt to work with such a wonderful cast and crew. Despite the challenges of filming in extreme cold under lots of snow, he enjoyed the experience, thanks to the warm-hearted people and the cozy atmosphere. Kanan even joked about how he found himself saying “lovely day” on a day when it was -17 degrees but the sun was shining. He expressed how much he would miss everyone he worked with but also humorously noted that he wouldn’t miss the traditional Norwegian sauce, “BRUNSAUS.”
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Christmas as Usual
Q: Where was “Christmas as Usual” filmed?
A: “Christmas as Usual” was primarily filmed in Norway, especially in the beautiful area of Rauland, which is part of Vinje Municipality.
Q: When did the filming of “Christmas as Usual” take place?
A: The filming of “Christmas as Usual” began in February 2023 and was completed by late March 2023, taking about a month and a half.
Q: What is the release date of “Christmas as Usual”?
A: “Christmas as Usual” was released on Netflix on December 6, 2023.
Q: Was the movie filmed in a real location or on a set?
A: The movie was filmed in real locations, with many scenes shot inside a private residence in Rauland, Norway, adding authenticity to the film’s setting.
Q: Did the production team use fake snow for the winter scenes?
A: No, the production team did not need to use fake snow. The natural snow in Rauland, Norway, was perfect for creating the wintery atmosphere needed for the movie.
