Nikkhil Advani claims Kal Ho Naa Ho was made for Rs 32 crore, would’ve crossed Rs 1000 cr today: ‘We’re only talking about Rs 800 cr’

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As a film enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of Bollywood over the past two decades, I must say that the return of Kal Ho Naa Ho to theaters is a heartwarming reminder of the golden era of storytelling in Hindi cinema. Being a part of this industry for quite some time now, I’ve seen the shift from the focus on story and emotions to the obsession with big box office numbers.

In a delightful twist, the cherished movie “Kal Ho Naa Ho,” featuring stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan, is once again gracing cinema screens. On this memorable event, the film’s director, Nikkhil Advani, disclosed that the production cost a modest Rs 32 crore. He further hinted that, given today’s market, the film would undoubtedly surpass the impressive milestone of Rs 1000 crore.

In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Kal Ho Naa Ho director Nikkhil Advani discussed the enduring impact of the movie, emphasizing that its timeless story, talented cast, and memorable music are key factors, not just its budget. He disclosed that the film cost approximately Rs 32 crore to produce, and if released today with inflation taken into account, it would have earned more than Rs 1000 crore at the box office.

Previously, the production cost and success of a movie like Kal Ho Naa Ho didn’t seem to matter much to people. Originally made for approximately 320 crores, if adjusted for today’s inflation, it would have grossed over 1000 crores, as per the director’s statement.

Additionally, he mentioned the profound influence movies such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai had on YRF and Dharma, pointing out that in contrast to today, their primary focus used to be beyond just box office earnings.

Later on, Nikkhil elaborated on the enduring acclaim that Kal Ho Naa Ho has received over the years. He reminisced about how viewers still talk about significant scenes such as Shah Rukh Khan’s famous chain, Rani’s mini skirt, and the profound effect of his character’s demise. For him, a real blockbuster is one that remains etched in memory even after ten years. He noted that nowadays, discussions often revolve around colossal box office earnings, like 800 crores, instead of the long-lasting cultural influence a film can leave behind. He stated, “Nowadays, all we talk about is 800 crores!

The movie maker pondered over the transformation in the film world, observing how mainstream films seem scarcely present nowadays. He underlined that contemporary films either must rake in a staggering 600-800 crore rupees to be deemed successful or they’re seen as flops. Yet, he maintains an air of optimism, expressing his anticipation for a reversal, believing that the spotlight will once again fall on varied narratives.

As a devoted admirer, I too share his appreciation for films that fall under Ayushmann Khurrana’s genre, finding them exceptional in their unique storytelling. Though the conventional measure of a blockbuster stands at 800 crores, I echo his aspiration for a more expansive and inclusive understanding of success, encompassing a wider range of films that resonate with diverse audiences.

In Kal Ho Naa Ho, the story revolves around Naina (Preity Zinta), whose life takes an unexpected turn upon encountering her spirited neighbor, Aman (Shah Rukh Khan). Their connection blossoms into love, yet Aman harbors a secret that prevents him from returning her feelings. Eventually, Naina gets married to her closest friend Rohit (Saif Ali Khan) after discovering Aman’s past.

The movie, which remains an enduring classic, made a deep impression through its poignant narrative and Shah Rukh Khan’s remarkable acting, achieving both commercial triumph and universal praise from critics.

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2024-11-12 12:53