Andaz Apna Apna Much ado about remakes and sequels of cult film

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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The 1994 film Andaz Apna Apna has joined the ranks of (so many) films that did not do well when released, but grew to be considered cult, or were television blockbusters, or (as in this case) both.

The Rajkumar Santoshi comedy of Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor impersonating each other as heiress and secretary, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan pretending to be what they are not, and a don impersonating his twin-a tycoon, had the right blending of situational, witty and farcical humour.

In that pre-Hera Pheri era, comedies never became blockbusters. Today, with just the two Khans, such a film, if made, would have made more than the magical 100 crore in its opening weekend itself.

And that seems to be the main thought process behind the announcement of the sequel, Andaz Apna Apna 2, to be produced by Phantom Films. While these producers claim that original producer Vinay Sinha's daughter Preeti Sinha has sold them the official rights, Preeti has categorically denied this.

After the recent 'Phantom' announcement, both Khans, separately, expressed their eagerness to work with each other, but are very clear that this will happen only if the right script comes along. Obviously, they will not touch any unauthorized sequel.

After all, with the original, even the music, mediocre O.P. Nayyar cloning at best, is still lovingly recalled, also every major and minor character and even its memorable one-liners, like "Crime master Gogo naam hai mera, aankhen nikal ke gotiyan khelti hoon main!".
Andaz… also went through aborted remakes. Andaz Naya Naya, an animated version, was launched in 2011 by director Anish Patel. Aamir and Salman were to dub, and an official theatrical poster was revealed on Bollywood Hungama. However, citing lack of commercial viability for animation films, Anish abandoned the movie midway! There were (still-born) plans later to shoot a 3D version with Imran Khan (Aamir's nephew) and Ranbir Kapoor.

In 2014, two decades after release, Santoshi had planned a sequel with Shahid Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor, as the combination dates of Aamir and Salman would have been impossible then, but, luckily, nothing came of it. I use the word "luckily" because their respective characters Amar and Prem are too deeply entrenched in our psyche for us to generously accept (unlike within the original film) imposters!

Right now, unless Santoshi works out a terrific script for the Khans, the sequel is likely to remain an idea in the air. And the Phantom film, if made at all minus both Aamir and Salman, will be akin to committing suicide. Also, as most lovers of great originals keep saying about remakes, "Classics should not be touched!"

Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama. Read more