Tourism New Zealand drops #BeyondTheFilter mini-series starring Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa

New Delhi: Tourism New Zealand has launched its latest campaign, #BeyondTheFilter, featuring actors Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa. The initiative presents a series of short films that reflect the couple’s recent travel experience across Aotearoa New Zealand, highlighting their engagement with natural landscapes and Māori cultural expressions.

The campaign has been developed by Tourism New Zealand and directed by Navzar Eranee and Shankar Raman. It stars Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa as themselves.

The campaign responds to a growing sentiment among travellers seeking more meaningful experiences, contrasting the curated and filtered portrayals common on social media. Filmed across New Zealand’s North Island, the mini-series captures moments from Sanctuary Mountain, Auckland’s coastal waters, and Taupō’s skies, along with visits to cultural spaces like The Haka Shop.

“Travel for us has always been about connection, with each other, with nature, and with people we meet along the way. New Zealand gave us that and so much more, making our time together truly unforgettable,” said Rajkummar Rao.

Patralekhaa added, “In a world where we're constantly curating our lives for social media, New Zealand gave us permission to just be present. The experiences were so beautiful and genuine, we found ourselves putting our phones down and simply living in the moment.”

Tourism New Zealand’s Regional Director for Asia, Gregg Wafelbakker, noted a broader change in how Indian audiences relate to travel. “We’re seeing a strong shift among Indian travellers toward experiences that are personal, present, and emotionally meaningful, and New Zealand is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand. #BeyondTheFilter is part of our continued commitment to showcase New Zealand as more than just a beautiful destination,  it’s a place where culture, nature, and connection come together to offer something truly enriching,” he said.

“Rajkummar and Patralekhaa bring this message to life with their honesty and relatability. Their love for mindful travel and grounded presence make them the ideal voices for a campaign that encourages Indian travellers to embrace what’s real, heartfelt, and 100% unfiltered.”

The mini-series will roll out in phases across Tourism New Zealand’s platforms, including newzealand.com/in, with supporting digital activity on social media channels.

Watch the campaign film: