Abu Dhabi: Excitement is mounting among Bollywood enthusiasts as acclaimed director Kabir Khan hints at a potential re-release of his blockbuster film ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan,’ starring the superstar Salman Khan. This revelation came during a group media interaction at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024, held in the glamorous setting of Abu Dhabi. The director shared his thoughts with the news agency ANI, expressing his enthusiasm for the nostalgic journey of possibly bringing the beloved film back to theatres.
Kabir Khan revealed that thoughts of re-releasing ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ have been percolating, especially as 2024 marks the film’s 10th anniversary. He said, “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 a wave of anticipation among fans who cherish the heartwarming story of the film.
Reflecting on his work with Salman Khan, Kabir noted the challenge of picking a single favorite memory from their collaborations. “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,” he reminisced. His words underscore the powerful professional bond and the numerous memorable experiences shared with the Bollywood megastar.
‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan,’ which tells the poignant story of a man’s mission to reunite a lost Pakistani girl with her family, transcended borders and touched the hearts of millions of viewers. Its themes of humanity, kindness, and love resonated universally, cementing its status as a timeless classic in Indian cinema.
The glittering venue of the IIFA Awards 2024 only added to the excitement. The second day of this star-studded event brought together Bollywood’s luminaries, creating a razzle-dazzle atmosphere that showcased the industry’s best. Among those in attendance were iconic figures like Hema Malini, Rekha, the unparalleled Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Vicky Kaushal, Shahid Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon.
The three-day celebration began on a high note on September 27 with IIFA Utsavam, an event specifically dedicated to celebrating the talents of the southern film industries—Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. This segment underscored the inclusive nature and diversity of Indian cinema, paying homage to its most vibrant regional narratives.
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The culmination of IIFA 2024 promises to be a grand spectacle on September 29, with the exclusive, invitation-only event, IIFA Rocks. Anticipation is building for live performances by famed artists such as Honey Singh, Shilpa Rao, and the celebrated musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Their performances are expected to provide an unforgettable blend of music and entertainment, closing out the gala with a bang.
Kabir Khan, during multiple exchanges with ANI, reiterated his optimism about the potential re-release of ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan.’ He noted, “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.” His repeated expressions of eagerness to listen to the viewers further highlighted his commitment to the film’s fanbase.
As he reflected on his filmmaking journey with Salman Khan, Kabir Khan reiterated the difficulty of isolating a single standout memory. “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,” he said again, underscoring the depth of their collaborative relationship.
‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ remains a seminal work, not just for its storytelling but for its role in bridging cultural divides. Its re-release could serve as a significant cultural moment, reprising a film that continues to offer a powerful narrative on compassion and unity.
The international glitter of the IIFA Awards has continued to shine as one of the most awaited events in the Bollywood calendar. The attendance of the industry’s brightest stars, from Hema Malini and Rekha to contemporary idols like Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, underscores its status. The Southern cinema celebration through IIFA Utsavam and concluding acts at IIFA Rocks promise to make this year’s event incomparable.
In essence, the prospect of ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ returning to theaters has rekindled a wave of nostalgia and excitement. If Kabir Khan’s contemplations come to fruition, cinemagoers will once again embark on an emotional journey of finding love and humanity across borders, bringing the story of Bajrangi and Munni back to the silver screen where it all began.
