Abu Dhabi – In an exciting development for Bollywood fans, acclaimed director Kabir Khan hinted at the possible re-release of his monumental hit ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan,’ which starred the iconic Salman Khan, marking its 10th anniversary next year. Speaking to ANI during a media interaction at the glittering International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024, held in Abu Dhabi, Kabir expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of bringing the beloved film back to theaters.
Reflecting on the fans’ enduring love for the movie, Kabir stated, “If we get, you know, if the audience sort of reaches out to us and says, you know, re-release Bajrangi Bhaijaan, it’s only 10 years next year, we probably might end up doing that.” This statement has sparked excitement among moviegoers and industry insiders alike, who cherish the film for its heartfelt narrative and memorable performances.
Kabir also reminisced about his time working with superstar Salman Khan. When asked about his favorite memory with the actor, Kabir shared, “Do you know, I’ve done three films with Salman, so to pick out one moment with him is extremely difficult. There have been just so many moments. Such a lovely journey with Salman that I’ve had, starting from the Tiger series to Bajrangi Bhaijaan. So it’s really impossible for me to pick out one moment.”
The film’s narrative, which follows the journey of a man who endeavors to reunite a lost Pakistani girl with her family, struck a chord with audiences worldwide, transcending cultural and national boundaries. Its re-release could reignite the same emotions and bring a fresh wave of appreciation for its touching storyline and compelling performances.
The IIFA Awards 2024, spanning three days from September 27-29, was a star-studded affair celebrating the best of Indian cinema. The second day in particular saw a dazzling array of Bollywood’s biggest celebrities gracing the event at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Among the notable attendees were evergreen stars Hema Malini and Rekha, and current industry heavyweights like Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Vicky Kaushal, Shahid Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon, among others.
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This year’s IIFA kick-started with IIFA Utsavam, an event that pays homage to the southern film industries of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema. The celebration aims to recognize and promote the incredible talent and contributions from these regional film industries, which have increasingly risen to national and international prominence.
The grand finale of the IIFA 2024 is set to take place on September 29, with the exclusive and invitation-only IIFA Rocks. This high-energy event promises electrifying performances from top artists, including Honey Singh, Shilpa Rao, and the legendary musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, who are sure to mesmerize the audience with their melodious renditions and dynamic stage presence.
The possibility of re-releasing ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ coinciding with its 10th anniversary adds a layer of nostalgia and celebration to the cinematic festivities already brimming in Abu Dhabi. Fans of the film are particularly excited as the movie has remained an enduring classic, capturing the essence of humanity and compassion through its storyline and character arcs.
Kabir’s acknowledgement of Salman’s significant role in shaping their collaborative projects underscores the unique synergy between the actor and the director, a factor that has been instrumental in their collective success. The re-release of ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ could also serve as a testament to their indelible mark on Bollywood’s cinematic landscape.
As the IIFA Awards settled into its star-studded days, celebrities from all corners of the Indian film industry gathered to celebrate excellence in filmmaking and to honor the creative talents that fuel the Indian cinema machine. The presence of such a stellar line-up of stars, alongside the announcements and retrospectives, set an exuberant tone for the following year in film.
A re-release would certainly be a nostalgic trip down memory lane, rekindling the emotions that ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ stirred when it first hit the screens. It is a moment of cultivation, celebrating not just the film itself, but the lasting impact it has had on audiences around the globe. Fans would be eagerly awaiting an official announcement, hopeful for a renewed opportunity to experience the heartwarming journey of Salman Khan’s character once more on the big screen.
IIFA 2024 concludes with much anticipation, looking ahead to a year that could bring an iconic film back to theaters, reiterating Bollywood’s vibrant storytelling legacy.
