Key Facts
Rajkumar Hirani, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., recently opened up about the initial skepticism the film faced before its release. In a conversation with Sanjay Arora, Hirani recalled how a fellow director dismissed the project as a disaster. The film, which starred Sanjay Dutt in a comedic role as an aspiring doctor, was considered a risky move given Dutt's action-hero image.
Details of the Criticism
Hirani shared that during a trial show, a director told him, “What have you done? You’ve made a disaster. Sanjay Dutt is an action hero, and you’re making a film with him set in a hospital? And you’ve even shot the songs here. At least one song should have been filmed at a foreign location.” The director also criticized the film's visual aesthetic, saying, “This should have been a colourful film. The characters should have been dressed in colourful clothes. What is this? You’ve put everyone in hospital uniforms.”
Opening Day Reaction
On the film's opening day, Hirani visited Gaiety Galaxy theatre. He recalled, “We went to Gaiety Galaxy, and while entering the theatre, I asked the gatekeeper what the reaction to the film was like. He gave me a thumbs-down sign, and at that moment, my heart sank a little.” However, upon entering, he realized the theatre was only about 50% occupied. Hirani explained, “Then I realised that he meant the occupancy was low and that the show wasn’t housefull. As a ticket seller, that’s all that mattered to him. But inside, I could see that the audience was thoroughly enjoying the film.” By evening, positive word-of-mouth had spread, and another theatre displayed a “Housefull” sign.
Impact and Legacy
Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. went on to become a cult classic, cementing Hirani's reputation as a master storyteller. The film's success proved that unconventional casting and settings could resonate with audiences.
Update on 3 Idiots Sequel
In a separate interview with THR India, Hirani provided an update on the long-awaited sequel to 3 Idiots. He revealed that he and co-writer Abhijat Joshi are still developing the script. “I’m still working on that script. There is a lot of work left. It’s primarily about what happens to these characters 15-20 years later. It’s not about college or anything. They are married and have children now. They are experiencing mid-life crisis, and so we will have to see, now what next?”
What Readers Should Know
- Rajkumar Hirani faced harsh criticism before Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. release, with a director calling it a disaster.
- The film's opening day saw low occupancy, but audience reaction was positive, leading to eventual success.
- The 3 Idiots sequel is in early script development, focusing on the characters' mid-life crises.
FAQ
What did a director tell Rajkumar Hirani after watching Munna Bhai MBBS?
A director told Hirani that he had made a disaster, criticizing the hospital setting and lack of foreign locations.
How did the gatekeeper react on Munna Bhai MBBS opening day?
The gatekeeper gave a thumbs-down sign, which Hirani initially thought meant the film was bad, but later realized it indicated low occupancy.
What is the status of the 3 Idiots sequel?
Hirani and Abhijat Joshi are still working on the script, which will focus on the characters 15-20 years later, dealing with mid-life crises.