Amitabh Bachchan has completed 55 years in the industry and even today he is one of the top stars of Bollywood. Amitabh has given many hit films in his career. However, he started with flop films and has been a part of many multi-starrer films. However, the trend of multi-starrer films in Bollywood has been very old and at that time the makers considered it a guarantee of hit. In the same period, Manmohan Desai, who gave blockbuster films like ‘Don’ and ‘Deewar’, also made a film. It is said that because of Jitendra, the entire plan of the makers went so wrong that the film was a super flop at the box office.
The film could not even meet its budget
This is the story of Manmohan Desai’s film ’Ganga Jamuna Saraswati’ released in 1988. There were many stars in this film, despite this the film could not even meet its budget. It was decided to make this film starring not one or two but four big stars only after the success of ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ released in 1977. It is said that not one but many changes were made in the film at the last moment and the result was that the film could not even meet its budget. What happened was that this film proved to be the last film of Manmohan Desai’s directorial career.
The makers had high expectations from this film.
In the year 1988, when the film ‘Ganga Jamuna Saraswati’, made with brilliant actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, Jaya Prada and Meenakshi Sheshadri, was released, the makers had high expectations from this film. No one thought that this film would prove to be a mega flop. Actually, before this the pair of Manmohan Desai and Amitabh Bachchan had given many great films. However, this time the pair failed to work their magic.
Bollywood’s most expensive film, which flopped so much that it ended the director’s career, half of Bollywood was in debt.
This is his last directed film
Many people probably do not know that Jeetendra was initially to be cast in this film. So many changes were made in the film that the film flopped miserably. Everything was changed in the script. Even the name of the film was changed, due to which the original casting plan was abandoned. Ultimately, with this film, Manmohan Desai even announced that this was his last directorial film.
The script was written with Amitabh Bachchan, Jitendra and Rishi Kapoor
The script of the film was written keeping in mind three actors Amitabh Bachchan, Jitendra and Rishi Kapoor. Later only Amitabh and Mithun Chakraborty were seen in the film. Apart from Amitabh, actors like Meenakshi Sheshadri, Jaya Prada, Mithun Chakraborty, Amrish Puri and Nirupa Roy were seen in ‘Ganga Jamuna Saraswati’. In this film, Amitabh Bachchan played the role of Ganga Prasad, Meenakshi played the role of Jamuna and Jaya Prada played the role of Saraswati.
Jitendra left the film midway
In the year 1985, when the production of this film was being discussed, it was planned to name this film ‘Amar Akbar Anthony Part 2’. Manmohan Desai had taken this decision after the success of his 1977 film ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’. The script was also ready with Amitabh Bachchan as ‘Gangaram’, Jeetendra as ‘Jamunadas’ and Rishi Kapoor as ‘Saraswatichandra’. But Jeetendra left the film midway and was replaced by Mithun Chakraborty. All these reasons weighed heavily on the script of the film and it was a disaster at the box office.
After this Manmohan Desai joined films as a producer.
After this, Manmohan Desai made two films, Amitabh starrer ‘Toofan’ and Rishi Kapoor’s ‘Anmol’, but he was associated with both these films as a producer.
– What are some key factors that contribute to a film’s success in Bollywood?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Film Expert Dr. Rhea Mehta
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Mehta! It’s great to have you with us. As someone deeply immersed in Bollywood history, you must have some fascinating insights into Amitabh Bachchan’s enduring legacy and the industry’s dynamics over the years.
Dr. Mehta: Thank you for having me! Amitabh Bachchan is a true icon. His 55-year journey in Bollywood is a testament to his talent and resilience, especially when you consider the ups and downs he’s faced in his career.
Editor: Absolutely. Speaking of ups and downs, let’s talk about multi-starrer films—a trend that was prevalent during Bachchan’s early career. You mentioned before how filmmakers considered them a “guarantee of hit.” Can you delve into that?
Dr. Mehta: Of course! During the late ’70s and ’80s, multi-starrer films were indeed considered a safe bet. Producers believed that bringing together big names like Amitabh, Mithun Chakraborty, and Jaya Prada would attract audiences, leveraging their fan bases to guarantee box office success. This strategy worked wonders for films like “Amar Akbar Anthony.”
Editor: Yet, despite such star power, we saw major flops like ”Ganga Jamuna Saraswati.” What do you think went wrong there?
Dr. Mehta: “Ganga Jamuna Saraswati” is a fascinating case. Directed by Manmohan Desai, who had a great run with films like ”Don” and “Deewar,” this film had sky-high expectations. Unfortunately, many last-minute changes and the introduction of actors like Jeetendra shifted the film’s dynamics. The chemistry that was expected and relied upon wasn’t realized on screen, leading to its dismal performance at the box office.
Editor: It’s interesting that so many changes were made at the eleventh hour. What impact do those changes generally have on a film’s quality and reception?
Dr. Mehta: Last-minute changes can be a double-edged sword. While they may sometimes enhance the film, they often lead to inconsistencies and a lack of cohesion. In the case of “Ganga Jamuna Saraswati,” these adjustments contributed to its inability to meet its budget and disheartened both the cast and crew, leading to Desai’s retirement from directing. It illustrates how critical pre-production planning is in filmmaking.
Editor: That’s a valuable insight. You mentioned the impact on Desai’s career; can you elaborate on how such a failure affects a director’s reputation in the industry?
Dr. Mehta: Definitely. In Bollywood, a director’s reputation is often tethered to their box office performance. A failure like “Ganga Jamuna Saraswati” can tarnish a director’s image, making studios hesitant to invest in future projects. It’s a cruel industry where even one flop can result in financial strain—not just for the director but for the entire production team. Many filmmakers never fully recover from such setbacks.
Editor: That’s a sobering thought. Despite the failures, Amitabh has managed to maintain his star status. What do you think has contributed to his lasting appeal?
Dr. Mehta: Amitabh’s versatility is key. He’s evolved with the times, transitioning from the quintessential hero of the ’70s to exploring more nuanced roles in contemporary cinema. His commitment to quality and willingness to adapt has kept him relevant across generations. Plus, his work ethic and connection with fans resonate deeply, making him a beloved figure in the industry.
Editor: It seems that adaptability is paramount in the film industry. Before we wrap, what lessons can aspiring filmmakers learn from the stories of Amitabh and Desai?
Dr. Mehta: Both stories underline the importance of vision and teamwork. Filmmaking is a collaborative process requiring harmony between script, actors, and direction. Aspiring filmmakers should remain adaptable, but also recognize the importance of a strong foundation in pre-production to minimize potential pitfalls during filming. In the volatile world of cinema, resilience is just as crucial as creativity.
Editor: Wise words, Dr. Mehta. Thank you for sharing your insights on these remarkable aspects of Bollywood history, especially regarding legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Manmohan Desai.
Dr. Mehta: Thanks for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the rich tapestry of our film industry.