Amitabh Bachchan’s Aankhen goes International

Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Aankhen, a heist-thriller directed by Vipul Shah and produced by Gaurang Doshi, is an all-time classic. The 2002 release, which also starred Akshay Kumar, Sushmita Sen, Arjun Rampal and Paresh Rawal, has been in the news for quite some time now for its sequel. While there is no final confirmation on the sequel, producer Gaurag Doshi confirms that the original film will soon be releasing in 20,000 screens across China and Saudi Arabia.

“Aankhen will always be very special to me for many reasons – it gave me an identity and Mr. Bachchan. Having its release in China and Saudi Arabia after so many years is reassurance and encouragement to continue making films that have global stories,” says Gaurang.

Almost a decade old, the film still manages to awe audiences across the world. According to the producer, the film will be dubbed in the local languages before it is released in the two countries.

“There is an immense scope for filmmakers internationally and I am glad we are getting the opportunity to explore it with our films”, says the producer.

Being one of the very few films that have made it to both these markets, Aankhen’s release in Chinese and Arabic languages is a major breakthrough for Indian filmmakers. Interestingly, Gaurang will also be distributing his other films including Happy Anniversary, Aankhen Returns and Indians in Danger in China later this year. Gaurang has associated with Weijie Zhu, one of the largest and most coveted distributors in China, to provide Hindi movies to the Chinese audience and with Jane Saho in Saudi Arabia to cater to the Arabic viewers.