This two films, which were released in era of 2000s, became huge flops on box office, despite having many bold and romantic scenes.
Published: August 1, 2025 5:24 PM IST
In early 2000s, Bollywood witnessed two notable collaborations between legendary actor Sanjay Dutt and a younger leading lady, Aishwarya Rai. Despite their star power, they failed to make a mark at the box office. These films, though ambitious in their storytelling, didn’t resonate with audiences as expected.
Which films are these?
The first of these films, 2005’s Shabd, directed by Leena Yadav, featured Sanjay Dutt and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles. The narrative revolves around Shaukat Vashisht (Dutt), a celebrated author grappling with writer’s block, and his wife Antara (Rai), whose real-life experiences begin to blur with the fictional world he creates.
What was the storyline of this film and its box office reception?
The film delves into the complexities of imagination and reality, exploring themes of obsession and control. Notably, Shabd presented a more intimate portrayal of its leads, with scenes that were considered bold for their time. Despite its intriguing premise and the chemistry between Dutt and Rai, the film underperformed commercially, earning just over Rs 10 crores against a budget of approximately Rs 9 crores. Critics appreciated its artistic approach, but it failed to attract a wider audience.
What was the other collaboration between Aishwarya Rai and Sanjay Dutt?
Before Shabd, in 2002, the duo had shared screen space in Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin, helmed by David Dhawan. This film boasted an ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan as Dr. Rastogi, Aishwarya Rai’s on-screen brother, and Ajay Devgn as her love interest. Sanjay Dutt portrayed Munna Bhai, a gangster who finds himself entangled in a love triangle.
What was the box-office reception?
The film attempted to blend elements of comedy, romance, and action, drawing inspiration from the Hollywood film Analyze This, starring Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal. Despite its star-studded lineup and high expectations, the film managed to collect around Rs 22.80 crores worldwide, falling short of its potential and being labeled a flop.
These two films marked the only collaborations between Sanjay Dutt and Aishwarya Rai. While both projects offered unique narratives and showcased the actors’ versatility, they didn’t achieve the desired success. The reasons could be attributed to various factors, including audience preferences at the time and perhaps the unconventional themes explored.
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