9th September 2023,Mumbai: The Lost Dreams of Bollywood
Bollywood, known for its glitz and glamour, often teases fans with exciting film announcements. However, amidst the frenzy of new projects, some promising films end up in the shadows, never to grace the big screens. In this article, we explore seven Bollywood films that were highly anticipated, boasted star-studded casts, and were backed by substantial budgets but, unfortunately, got shelved indefinitely.
1. Salman Khan-Alia Bhatt’s Inshallah
Clash of CreativityBollywood’s beloved Salman Khan and Gen Z sensation Alia Bhatt were all set to enthrall fans with “Inshallah,” a project backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. However, creative differences between Bhansali and Salman led to the project’s demise. Bhansali’s production house officially confirmed the shelving of the film, leaving fans heartbroken.
2. Karan Johar’s Multi-Starrer Project – Takht: A Period Drama in Limbo
In 2019, filmmaker Karan Johar had grandly announced “Takht,” a period drama set in the Mughal era. With a star-studded ensemble including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Vicky Kaushal, and Anil Kapoor, it promised cinematic brilliance. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, “Takht” remains a suspended dream.
3. Amitabh Bachchan’s Shoebite: The Lost Footsteps
Amitabh Bachchan and director Shoojit Sircar’s collaboration in “Shoebite” was much-anticipated, but this project suffered a setback due to production company disputes. Sadly, this intriguing film never saw the light of day, leaving fans wondering about the story that might have been.
4. Kartik Aaryan and Janhvi Kapoor’s Dostana 2: A Fractured Friendship
“Dostana” was a Bollywood hit, and fans eagerly awaited its sequel, “Dostana 2,” starring Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Lakshya. However, a fallout between Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan led to the project’s cancellation. Dharma Productions officially announced a recasting, leaving fans curious about the fate of this anticipated sequel.
5. The Immortal Ashwatthama: Vicky Kaushal’s Unfulfilled Promise
Vicky Kaushal, fresh from the success of “URI: The Surgical Strike,” was set to collaborate with Aditya Dhar in “The Immortal Ashwatthama.” The project was confirmed during an episode of “Koffee With Karan.” Shockingly, it was shelved due to a substantial pre-production loss, leaving fans wondering about the epic tale that could have been.
6. Ranveer Singh’s Baiju Bawra: A Musical Melancholy
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s plan to remake the 1952 classic “Baiju Bawra” with Ranveer Singh had fans excited. However, financial troubles struck, and the project was abandoned. Speculation about casting Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan for Bhansali’s next project adds an air of intrigue to this cinematic saga.
7. Sanjay Dutt’s Munna Bhai Chale Amerika: The Missing Laughter
Rajkumar Hirani’s “Munna Bhai” franchise is celebrated for its humor and heart. Fans were thrilled when news broke about “Munna Bhai Chale Amerika,” the third installment, with Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi reprising their iconic roles. Unfortunately, the project faced multiple setbacks and was shelved. A teaser only served to remind fans of the laughter that might have been. Lost Stories, Unfulfilled Dreams
In the world of Bollywood, where dreams are woven into stories, it’s disheartening to see promising films remain unfulfilled dreams. From creative clashes to financial woes and professional disagreements, these seven films serve as a reminder that even in the glamorous world of cinema, not all stories find their happy ending. While fans may hope for some of these projects to see the light of day someday, they remain as poignant reminders of what could have been in the fascinating landscape of Bollywood.
-by Kashvi Gala