The iconic film ‘Anand,’ directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and starring Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan at the time, is being remade by Sameer Raj Sippy, grandson of the film’s original producer, N.C. Sippy, and Vikram Khakhar.
The film’s director and actors are still being finalised while the screenplay is being written.
Producer Vikram Khakhar expressed his delight at the news in a statement. “Digging into our own classics, we will find invaluable gems rather than scouting for stories, internationally or regionally. Placing Anand in the post-Covid era, where we emphasise the value of life, will enhance the story of Anand.”
The 1971 film starred Rajesh Khanna as Anand Sehgal, a terminally sick cancer patient whose care is taken up by Amitabh. However, fate has other plans for Anand, as his disease progresses and he dies away, but not before leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many of the people he met, including a complete stranger, Isa Bhai Suratwala, portrayed by the renowned Johnny Walker.
Producer Sameer Raj Sippy believes that such stories should be given to the next generation in order to educate them about our cinematic history. He said: “Keeping in mind the sensibilities of the original film and the emotions attached, I felt the current generation needs to be retold many stories that are so relevant today and especially when there is a great appetite for good content.”
Fans, on the other hand, were not pleased with the announcement of Anand’s remake. Reposting a news article, a social media user wrote, “No one can match #Anand. The characters were amazing and all actors did such an amazing job. How will you find another Rajesh Khanna, Johnny Walker, Lalita Pawar and Ramesh Deo? How will anyone make and replace those soulful songs? Please don’t spoil the film”. Others also added comments like, “#anand shouldn’t be remade! Leave the #classics alone,” and, “No please”. A Twitter user also seemed worried about the next remake, as they wrote, “Now they are going to ruin a masterpiece like Anand. what’s next, Sholay? You know what I am not giving them more ideas.”
Details about the film’s development and technical staff are being kept under wraps. The film will shortly go into production when Sameer Raj Sippy and Vikram Khakhar have finalised the cast.