Celebrating 22 years of Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Aankhen’: The dual climax mystery unveiled |

Vipul Shah‘s iconic thriller ‘Aankhen‘ recently celebrated its 22nd anniversary, a cinematic gem that continues to captivate audiences. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Arjun Rampal, Sushmita Sen, Paresh Rawal, and Aditya Pancholi, the film, released on April 2, 2002, instantly struck a chord with viewers, blending intrigue, suspense, and stellar performances.
However, a lesser-known fact about the film surfaces: ‘Aankhen’ had not one, but two climaxes, tailor-made for different audiences. In an exclusive interview with mid-day.com, director Vipul Shah revealed the intriguing backstory behind this cinematic twist.

Shah disclosed that during the film’s trial screening, an intense debate ensued among the audience regarding the ending’s suitability. Ultimately, a decision was made to incorporate two endings: one for the Indian audience, concluding with the discovery of jewelry in Paresh Rawal’s harmonium, and another, an open ending, for international viewers.

Interestingly, Shah recalled Amitabh Bachchan’s staunch support for the original open ending, despite the majority’s inclination towards the revised conclusion. Bachchan’s conviction in the film’s unconventional narrative ultimately resonated, leaving a lasting impact.
‘Aankhen’ faced numerous challenges during its inception, with industry skeptics betting against its success. The film defied conventions, featuring Bachchan in a negative role, blind protagonists, and a storyline devoid of typical romantic tracks. Despite the odds, ‘Aankhen’ emerged triumphant, proving its detractors wrong and solidifying its status as a cinematic triumph.

Vipul Shah’s directorial prowess extends beyond ‘Aankhen,’ evident in his recent ventures like ‘The Kerala Story,’ co-produced by Aashin A. Shah, and ‘Bastar: The Naxal Story.’ With a knack for storytelling and a penchant for defying norms, Shah continues to leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema, captivating audiences with each cinematic endeavor.