As Aankhen completes 23 years since its release, director Vipul Amrutlal Shah reflected on how the film’s lead actors, Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan, came on board without hesitation after hearing the script. Released in 2002, Aankhen is remembered as a high-stakes heist thriller, known for its gripping narrative and ensemble cast. Featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Sushmita Sen, Arjun Rampal, and Paresh Rawal, the film follows the story of a disgraced bank manager who plans a bold robbery with the help of three blind men.
23 Years of Aankhen: Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan gave an instant ‘yes’, reveals director Vipul Amrutlal Shah
Recalling how the cast came together, Shah shared in a previous interview that both Akshay and Amitabh were quick to sign on after the narration. “The reaction to the script was surprisingly fantastic. When I met Akshay, I didn’t know how he would react because he didn’t have a heroine in the film, and when I met Amit ji I was not sure if he would want to play a negative character or a gray character. Paresh, I was very sure that he would love the character and he had seen the play also. When I called him, he said that you are doing your first film, I am on board, and rest we can discuss later,” he said.
Shah further revealed how smooth the process was when it came to locking the lead stars. He went on to add, “With Amit ji and Akshay, we had one full night of narration each. They both loved the idea and script, and the same night after the narration of the film they agreed to do it. When I met Sushmita, she was on board immediately, and the same with Arjun. They were all the first choice and came on board the same day they heard the script.”
Directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and produced by Gaurang Doshi, Aankhen was based on Shah’s Gujarati play ‘Andhalo Pato’. It earned praise for its innovative concept and tight screenplay, eventually achieving cult status over the years.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah, who has continued to work across various genres since Aankhen, is now gearing up for his next directorial, Hisaab. Produced in association with Sunshine Pictures and Jio Studios, the film stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Shefali Shah. It is produced and directed by Shah and co-produced by Aashin A Shah.
Also Read: 21 Years of Aankhen Exclusive: Director Vipul Shah regrets killing characters of Sushmita Sen and Paresh Rawal; says, “There was no time left for us to reshoot or redesign that part”
More Pages: Aankhen Box Office Collection , Aankhen Movie Review
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