Andaz Apna Apna

This weekend I am writing about a film which was released in 1994, which was a comedy film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. It starred Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karishma Kapoor, Paresh Rawal (in a dual role), and Shakti Kapoor in lead roles. Although the film was a semi-hit at the box office, the film has emerged as a cult film over the years. The lack of publicity and tough competition from other films were reasons for its average business. As per the director of the film was not released and distributed well. Several dialogues from the film like “ Teja main hoon, mark idhar hai”, “Crime Master Gogo, Mogambo Ka bhatija”, “ Do dost ek cup mein chai piyenge”  are still very popular.

Here are some trivia on the film’s making

• After directing Ghayal and Damini, director Rajkumar Santoshi wanted to explore a lighter subject, hence he made this film.
• Rajkumar envisioned the two warring friends as human versions of Tom and Jerry.
• Initially, Salman Khan wanted a longer screen time, but when Rajkumar explained to him about the totality of the film, he agreed to what role was offered to him.
• Both Raveena Tandon and Karishma Kapoor were newcomers at the time of the launch of this film. Interestingly the names of leading female characters in the film were the same, but Raveena’s name was Krishma, and vice versa.
• Tinu Anand was first offered the role of Crime Master Gogo, the part finally went to Shakti Kapoor.
• Gogo calls himself ‘Mogambo Ka Bhatija-a character played by Amrish Puri in Mr India.
• In one scene, Amar (Aamir Khan) tells Prem (Salman Khan) that you are bragging as if your father has written ‘Sholay’. In the real life Salman’s father has co written Sholay with Javed Akhtar.
• Sholay is referenced several times in the film, like when Aamir Khan mimics Dharmendra asking Hema Malini her name.
• Jagdeep played the role of Salman’s father in the film, which is a nod to his ionic Soorma Bhopali in Sholay.
• The scene where Aamir Khan loses his memory and Salman brings carpentry tools is borrowed from the Tamil film ‘ Thenmazhai’ starring Nagesh.
• The song ‘Papa Kehte Hain’ from Aamir’s debut film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak is heard in one scene.
• The lead hero/heroines were reportedly not on talking terms during the shoot.
• Juhi Chawla and Govinda made a special appearance in the film. The line ‘Aila, Juhi Chawla has now become a meme.
• Actor Shehzad Khan made a tribute to his father Ajit through the character Bhalla in the film.
• Actor Viju Khote, another Sholay alumnus played Bhalla’s partner Robert in the film.
• Paresh Rawal played a double role as Ram & Shyam Bajaj.
• In the film, Mehmood character owns Wah Wah Photo Studio. In Pyar Kiye Ja (1966) he played a brat, who starts the banner ‘Wah Wah Productions’.
• Plots elements from this film were used in the regional films ‘Ullathai Allitha )19996), ‘Veedevadandi Babu’ (1997), and ‘Galate Aliyandru (2000).
• The climax of this film was borrowed from 19272 heist comedy Victoria No. 203.
• SP Balasubramaniam voiced 3 tracks for the film, including ‘ye Raat aur Ye Doori’ with Asha Bhosle.
• In the credits, Shakti Kapoor’s name is spelled with T instead of S since his character in the film can not say S.
• So far this is the only film to star Aamir Khan and Salman Khan.
• Two years back Dabangg 3 writer Dilip Shukla confirmed, that the is writing a sequel for this comedy film.’

Let us hope the sequel when it is made, will be as comical as the original film.

Waiting for your views on this blog.

Anil Malik

Mumbai, India

26^th March 2022.