As the calendar marks 22 years since the release of ‘Aankhen’, a film that has etched its name in the annals of Indian cinema, we revisit this unique masterpiece directed by Vipul Shah. Released on April 2, 2002, ‘Aankhen’ featured a star-studded cast, including the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, the versatile Akshay Kumar, the charismatic Arjun Rampal, the beguiling Sushmita Sen, along with Paresh Rawal and Aditya Pancholi. The film owes its origins to Shah’s Gujarati play ‘Andhalo Pato’ and upon its release, it captivated audiences and critics alike, swiftly becoming a critical and box office hit.
‘Aankhen’ stands out not just for its storytelling and characterization but for an intriguing behind-the-scenes fact: it had two distinct climaxes – one tailored for Indian moviegoers and the other for an international audience. Director Vipul Shah divulged in an interview with mid-day.com that after a screening of the film, they received feedback that an open ending for such an unconventional movie was risky. After hours of debate, it was decided at the break of dawn that the film would retain its open ending for overseas viewers, but would conclude with a scene revealing the discovery of stolen jewels in Paresh Rawal’s harmonium for the Indian release. Notably, Abhishek Bachchan, referred to as AB, found the original ending brilliant and advised against any change, a stance that in retrospect, Shah and his team wished they had heeded.
The journey of ‘Aankhen’ was beset with skepticism in the industry, from its inception to its premiere. The filmmaker reminisced about the cynicism it faced: Amitabh Bachchan was venturing into the realm of anti-hero roles, and the concept of having a trio of blind protagonists commit a bank heist seemed too avant-garde for the traditional audience, with no romantic subplot for Akshay Kumar’s character further defying Bollywood norms. There were wagers predicting the movie would falter, and naysayers attempted to dissuade actors from signing on. Despite the odds, ‘Aankhen’ emerged as a testament to the innovativeness and tenacity of its creators.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the man behind ‘Aankhen’, has consistently demonstrated his prowess in filmmaking, delivering narratives that resonate with audiences. His recent venture, ‘The Kerala Story,’ co-produced with Aashin A. Shah, rocked the industry and is already hailed as the ninth-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2023. His producing role extends to ‘Bastar: The Naxal Story’, another co-production with Aashin A. Shah, which has stirred interest for its poignant storytelling.
As we celebrate the film’s milestone, it is crucial to recognize the genius behind ‘Aankhen’. Rajeev Menon’s cinematography captured the nuances of blind characters in a world that relies heavily on visual cues. The screenplay by Aatish Kapadia brought to life the multifaceted script. The music, directed by Aadesh Shrivastava and the lyrics penned by Prasoon Joshi and Nitin Raikwar, added an aural element to the film’s distinctiveness with songs that continue to be nostalgic for fans.
Looking back, it is undeniable that ‘Aankhen’ was a game-changer, challenging the established thresholds of Indian cinema and inviting audiences to explore themes outside their comfort zones. It didn’t just entertain; it questioned and, perhaps, changed perceptions. The dual climax decision reflected both a commitment to cultural sensibilities and a noteworthy example of a film that dared to differ based on geography. Vipul Shah’s direction imprinted ‘Aankhen’ upon the landscape of Hindi cinema, solidifying it as a narrative that dared to be distinctive—a bold, imaginative venture that paid off and remains unforgettable two decades on.
