New Delhi: In an exclusive and rather entertaining interview, the seasoned director Anees Bazmee opened up about some of the humor-laden chaos that transpired during the filming of the 2022 hit movie ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’. Bazmee, renowned for his penchant for comedy and gripping storytelling, pulled back the curtain on the unexpected hurdles the crew encountered, one of which came hilariously with a mysterious donkey.
As the story goes, filming for ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ was well underway when a quirky yet significant challenge emerged: their scene-stealing donkey, an essential part of the film, suddenly disappeared without a trace just two days into shooting. Bazmee fondly reminisced about the incident, stating, “After just two days of shooting, our donkey vanished. It was a significant setback because the donkey had a unique physicality that was hard to replicate.” This unforeseen disappearance threw a spanner in the works, as the team was left scrambling to locate their crucial four-legged cast member. Bazmee humorously added, “We had to search high and low to find him again.”
Despite the unexpected interruption, fortune eventually smiled upon the team as they managed to track down the elusive donkey, much to the relief of everyone involved. However, the eccentricities of working in the world of showbiz were far from over. Bazmee humorously recounted the dialogues he shared with lead actor Kartik Aaryan, remarking, “Gadhe ki dates nahi mil rahi hai” (We aren’t able to get the donkey’s dates). This quip became a repeated refrain, lightening the mood amidst the pressure of filming tight schedules.
Sadly, though, the humorous narrative surrounding the donkey took an unfortunate turn when the animal subsequently passed away. This loss meant yet another round of searching for a suitable stand-in that had the same unique demeanor as its predecessor.
. Anees Bazmee reflected on these occurrences with a blend of humor and insight, noting the unpredictability of working with animals. He concluded with a remark full of whimsy, “It’s very difficult to work with them. They have their own plans!”
These behind-the-scenes anecdotes provide an amusing glimpse into the lighter, unpredictable side of filmmaking. They highlight both the quirks and joys that accompany the process of creating a feature film like ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’. The film offers audiences an exhilarating plot, but such humorous stories reveal the lighthearted turmoil that can occur when the cameras aren’t rolling.
In many ways, the anecdotes shared by Bazmee serve as a metaphor for the film industry itself — where adaptation to unexpected circumstances can pave the way for some truly memorable moments both on and off-screen. Bazmee’s narrative underscores the notion that the triumph of filmmaking often lies in overcoming the unanticipated, with a jovial grin intact.
Beyond the tale of the elusive donkey, Bazmee also paid tribute to the broader spirit of the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ set, describing it as a workplace filled with creative chaos and joyful camaraderie. He extolled the virtues of the cast and crew, highlighting their adaptability and resilience in face of the numerous challenges that arose during filming. The director commended their collective effort, which ensured that the movie not only saw the light of day but became a significant addition to the realm of Bollywood hits.
Ultimately, the amusing and rather touching donkey debacle adds a layer of charm to the legacy of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’. As fans of the film indulge in its thrilling storyline, they can also delight in these whimsical snippets of history that will forever accompany its making. The stories shared by Anees Bazmee bring to the fore the spirit of cinema — an art form defined as much by its polished final product as by the chaotic, laughter-infused journey of bringing a script to life.