Pearl was kidnapped in Karachi by supporters of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed who claimed responsibility (and were later captured and convicted) for kidnapping and beheading Pearl in 2002. The movie also covers efforts by Department of Justice and Diplomatic Security Service special agents to track the kidnappers and bring them to justice.

For security reasons, the majority of the film, including all scenes with Angelina Jolie was shot in Pune, Maharashtra, India rather than in Pakistan. However many of the exteriors and all scenes involving the kidnapping, were shot at the real locations in Karachi with actor Dan Futterman. The film's other Indian location was Mumbai, where Danny and Marianne lived. Flashback scenes were shot there. The film was also shot in France and Austin, Texas.