Anees Bazmee recalls not a ‘single person laughing’ during Welcome’s test screenings; says he was sent to hospital for ‘stress’: ‘When 100 people don’t like your film…’

Anees Bazmee recalls not a ‘single person laughing’ during Welcome’s test screenings; says he was sent to hospital for ‘stress’: ‘When 100 people don’t like your film…’

As an ardent admirer of Anees Bazmee’s work, I have always been captivated by his unique storytelling and knack for creating laughter-inducing films. However, the tale behind the making of Welcome left me both touched and amused. It’s a testament to the ups and downs that every artist encounters during their creative journey.


In making Welcome with Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar, and Anil Kapoor, Anees Bazmee poured out his heart, work, time, and almost every other resource. However, in a recent interview, the director of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 admitted that he was under immense pressure when the jokes and comedy scenes of the film failed to elicit laughter during its preview. This stress led him to require hospitalization. Fortunately, things turned around for the better as Welcome went on to become a huge hit later on.

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, the filmmaker reminisced about past experiences. He shared that several of his movies initially faced challenges as they were labeled as poor films during pre-release test screenings.

Anees Bazmee faced disappointment when, after working hard on his 2007 comedy film “Welcome,” he found that those who watched pre-screenings did not perceive it as a comedy. This unexpected turn of events proved to be a challenge for him.

He explained that he had already shared what he created, and he couldn’t entertain people by tickling them at the theater now. The type of humor he knows how to create is this one. He can’t incorporate slapstick, innuendo, and all that. To him, they are shortcuts, and he doesn’t approve of them. Instead, he values writing comedy from a genuine perspective.

In an unusual turn of events, my experience in the theater was remarkably quiet during the previews, contrary to what the director of No Entry had anticipated for his movie. Reminiscing about the trials of Welcome, he shared, “Not a single soul could be heard chuckling during the screenings.

The director of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 shared that following the screenings, he ended up hospitalized due to audience disfavor towards his movie. Since he dedicates himself fully to each project, this sudden disappointment was quite jarring for him. Moreover, as a newcomer in the industry, the film’s underperformance could have had severe consequences on his career trajectory.

He shared, “Many individuals associated with the movie, such as the investors, caused me a great deal of stress. While lying in the hospital bed, I meticulously went over my script, scene by scene. After two days, I arrived at the realization that it works well. My belief told me this was something truly delightful.

The movie experienced a significant reversal in fortune when it was met with success upon its debut, earning the title of a cult classic. Bazmee noted that over 16 years since its release, the humor and script of the film remain relevant to viewers. Furthermore, memes inspired by the film’s scenes have become commonplace on social media platforms.

Welcome, the surprising blockbuster, grossed over Rs.122 crore globally and received positive feedback. The film featured Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal, Feroz Khan, Mallika Sherawat among others. Anees Bazmee’s upcoming production, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, is set to hit theaters on November 1, 2024, and stars Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, and Triptii Dimri. The trailer has been generating a lot of excitement online.

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2024-10-10 09:22