Amitabh Bachchan shelved Khalnayak- Sanjay Dutt’s entry earned for the film 400% percent
Amitabh Bachchan Shelved It But Sanjay Dutt Arrived From Jail On August 6, 1993, Earning A Blockbuster 400% Profit!
Khalnayak box office came as a hysteria after Sanjay Dutt’s jail and bail happened in a jiffy – check out the collections and budget.
Sanjay Dutt was immortalised as OG of the Subhash Ghai directorial ‘Khalnayak’ 30 years ago and the film kicked-off a new genre at the box office altogether. Eventually, the anti-hero blossomed as the new love of the nation. Sanju Baba drew the line amid the villain and the hero and occupied that grey area like it was meant for him and the only truth was that it wasn’t meant for him!
Initially, the film was made with Amitabh Bachchan, and it was then titled Devaa. However, due to creative differences amid the Angry Young Man and the Showman Subhash Ghai led to the shelving of the film. But, being being an ambitious man Ghai started restructuring his film.
Nana Patekar was playing Ballu, but Ghai soon realized that he needed a more raw, energetic young man. This saw the entry of Sanjay Dutt! But, no sooner Subhash Ghai locked Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor cajoled him a lot for the role, but Ghai did not break the promise he had made to Sanjay Dutt.
Prior to Jackie Shroff, Aamir Khan was offered his role, but like Anil Kapoor, even Aamir wanted the meaty chunk, however, the titular role of Khalnayak was ensured promised to Sanju. Aamir tooo was politely rejected. The film, however, was unlucky. After Sanjay Dutt was jailed, it was sure that the film would be shelved for the second time as well!
As it is said that destiny plays a significant part and Sanjay Dutt,following his incarceration in April 1993, got bail in May 1993. He stormed the cinema halls in full glory. Khalnayak opened at only 20 lakh at the box office, but the film ran in theaters for more than 8 weeks and collected close to 12.5 crore net and 21.5 crore gross!
As per an earlier report by Mukta Arts,the production house of Subhash Ghai, the film was made on a budget of only 2.5 crore, grossing a whopping 400% profit at the box office, making it the second highest-grossing film of 1993 after Aankhein.
Khalnayak broke many records and won accolades and honoured with awards and rewards as well.
Amitabh and Nana Patekar’s loss was Sanjay Dutt and Subhash Ghai’s gain.
A sequel to the film was rumored in 2020 but never saw the light of the day.
News Edit K.V.Raman
