Javed Akhtar is one of the most acclaimed screenwriters in Bollywood who has gained fame since the 70s. In a new conversation, the literary icon revealed that he considers the 80s the darkest phase in Hindi cinema because many double-meaning songs were written during this time. As a result, he wrote only one song for Karan Johar’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, which even became the film’s title. But, later, he started avoiding writing absurd or double-meaning lyrics due to his ethics. However, he now regrets not working on the film.

Javed Ji recently appeared on Sapan Verma’s YouTube channel, Chill Sesh, and recalled that career phase. The iconic screenwriter, one of the most recognized lyricists in Bollywood, explained the incident in detail. He worked with Salim Khan during the 1970s, and the duo wrote successful films during that era, including Sholay, Don, Zanjeer, Deewar, and more. Later, the duo split in 1982. 

Javed Akhtar recalled the 80s, a dark phase in Bollywood in terms of writing. He described how absurd or vulgar songs were written and became famous at that time. It was his principle, and he decided to avoid being a part of such writing. In his words, “I consider the ’80s to be the darkest time for Hindi cinema. People were either writing double-meaning songs or songs with no meaning at all. I avoided films that, in any way, had lyrics I found absurd or vulgar.”

Later, when he wrote the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai song for Karan Johar’s film, the latter picked the film’s title from it, and he refused to write any more songs as he thought it to be one of those absurd films. 

He candidly admitted, “This principle led me to turn down a very successful film—Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. I had written the first song for it, but when Karan decided on the title, I refused to work on a film with that name. I thought, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai… kya hota hai? I regret it now, but at that time, I refused.”

Despite the confusion, Javed Akhtar worked with Karan Johar in his 2003 film Kal Ho Naa Ho. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, became a massive critical and commercial hit. Even Kal Ho Naa Ho became one of the most memorable films in the history of Bollywood.

After delivering an all-time blockbuster with Jailer last year, Superstar Rajinikanth is coming back with his next venture, Vettaiyan, this weekend. The movie, helmed by TJ Gnanavel stars an ensemble cast that includes Amitabh Bachchan, Rana Daggubati, Fahadh Faasil, Manju Warrier, and others. The Advance booking of Vettaiyan opened a couple of days ago. The movie has registered a massive advance of Rs 34 crore plus globally, with three days still in check.

Vettaiyan Hunts Advance Sales Worth Rs 34 Crore; Sees Impressive Trend

Set against the courtroom battle of an encounter specialist and a human rights activist, the Tamil movie is set to open on the expected lines. As of October 7 @5PM, the movie has registered an advance booking worth Rs 34 crore for the opening weekend (October 10 to October 13) only. Out of which Rs 19.75 crore pre-sales is recorded in India while the overseas locations contributed about USD 1.7 Million. 

Talking of the opening day alone, Vettaiyan has recorded impressive pre-sales of Rs 22.5 crore globally, of which Rs 9.5 crore is recorded at the domestic ticket window while the international markets have contributed around USD 1.55 million. 

The movie is slated to hit the screens on October 10 (Dussehra); it still has two and half days left in the bank to record a phenomenal advance sale. 

Vettaiyan Crosses The Final Advances Of Indian 2 With Two Days In Check

With such a good response to Vettaiyan in Tamil Nadu, the movie has already surpassed the final advances of Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2 at the Kollywood ticket window, with two days left in stock. The Rajinikanth starrer is expected to take the second biggest opening of 2024 after Thalapathy Vijay’s The GOAT in Tamil Nadu. 

Interestingly, the movie will pass the final tracked opening day gross of all movies of 2024 except The GOAT in its pre-sales itself. 

Though Thalaivar’s superstardom is enough to board a banger opening on the first day of release. But, it will heavily depend on the positive word of mouth and walk-ins to work further in the long run. So far, the movie has no buzz in the North belt where it will face a clash with Alia Bhatt’s Jigra and Rajkummar Rao’s Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. The makers had to deliver strong content to make it a big festive affair in the true sense at the box office. 

Watch Vettaiyan Trailer Here: