Despite being crafted on a modest budget, ‘Aankhen’ emerged as a box office juggernaut, reportedly claiming the title of the highest-grossing film of 1993.
Renowned actor Govinda, though absent from the silver screen in recent years, continues to command an immense fan base. A prominent figure in the 1990s, Govinda achieved superstardom with numerous blockbuster films. Among his triumphs is the 1993 release ‘Aankhen.’
Despite its economical production, ‘Aankhen’ proved to be a box office phenomenon and is reputed as the highest-grossing film of 1993. Directed by David Dhawan and written by Anees Bazmee, this comedy film featured an ensemble cast including Govinda, Chunky Pandey, Ritu Shivpuri, Rageshwari, Shilpa Shirodkar, Bindu, Harish Patel, Shakti Kapoor, Mahavir Shah, and Gulshan Grover.
Box Office India data reveals that ‘Aankhen’ was crafted on a budget of approximately Rs 1.85 crore and went on to amass Rs 24.35 crore at the box office, securing its position as one of India’s highest-grossing films.
Govinda and Chunky Pandey portrayed double roles in the film, depicting the story of two brothers deemed good for nothing, leading to their expulsion from their father’s (Kader Khan) home. The success of ‘Aankhen’ played a pivotal role in revitalizing Govinda’s career during a challenging phase. Following this triumph, Govinda delivered several hits, such as ‘Raja Babu,’ ‘Coolie No. 1,’ and ‘Saajan Chale Sasural.’
While Govinda soared to superstardom, the same success did not translate to a boost in the careers of his co-star Chunky Pandey and the film’s lead actress, Ritu Shivpuri, who eventually left the acting profession.
