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Last Updated: November 27, 2024, 18:32 IST
Director Refutes Misconceptions About ‘Andaz Apna Apna’ as a Box Office Failure
The cult classic film Andaz Apna Apna, which hit theaters in 1994, has long been misunderstood regarding its financial performance. Renowned director Rajkumar Santoshi, celebrated for his works like Damini, Khakee, and The Legend of Bhagat Singh, recently shed light on this topic while discussing his noteworthy comedy film that features prominent stars Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, alongside Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor.
In a recent interview with Doordarshan, Santoshi delved into the reasons behind the initial lukewarm reception of Andaz Apna Apna. He emphasized that the film was mischaracterized as a box office flop due to inadequate marketing. “The film didn’t initially resonate with audiences because they simply weren’t aware of it,” he explained. He noted that the marketing strategy failed to convey the film’s comedic essence, leading viewers to expect a romantic narrative similar to other successful films of the era, such as Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Dil, or Maine Pyar Kiya.
Santoshi highlighted that during the film’s release, he and the lead actors were not in the city, resulting in the absence of a premiere event. This lack of visibility contributed to the film’s poor showing at the box office. He asserted, “Many people didn’t know what to expect, and unfortunately, the distributors were inexperienced, which affected the film’s release strategy.”
Despite the initial challenges, the film eventually garnered a dedicated following, propelled by positive word of mouth. Santoshi remarked, “I wouldn’t categorize it as a flop. It did not meet our expectations initially, but as viewers began to appreciate its humor, its popularity surged.” He lamented that just as the film gained traction, it was withdrawn from theaters due to distributors not believing in its potential for success.
Looking ahead, Santoshi revealed that he is working on a new comedy project, tentatively titled Adaa Apni Apni, which he describes as being in a similar vein to Andaz Apna Apna. He expressed excitement about this venture and stated, “I am crafting a comedy that captures the spirit of the original film. Such experiments are essential, and while the outcome is uncertain, I can guarantee it will be entertaining.” When asked if this new project is intended as a sequel, he hinted, “It’s too early to determine that. We’ll see where it goes.”
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