Hansa, Babuji, Praful, Khichdi, Jayshree… these characters continue to find a space in our hearts and on our TV screens even after two decades. The beloved comedy show, which aired in 2002, captivated audiences with its quirky humour and relatable characters. Continued sequels, followed by a film in 2010, the franchise attempted to reignite the magic with Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan in 2023. However, the latest film received a lukewarm response at the box office, leaving fans and the show’s creator, JD Majethia, pondering the reasons behind its struggles.
In an interview with India Today, actor-director Majethia acknowledged the film’s unfortunate release date, coinciding with the high-profile Tiger 3 and the cricket World Cup finals, both stealing audience attention. Additionally, he admits widespread piracy dealt a significant blow, with viewers opting for instant access over cinema halls. “We didn’t want to release during Diwali with Tiger 3, so we went for the next week. Sunday is the biggest day for films, but we had the World Cup finale that day, and India was playing. It was a risk, and sadly, it didn’t pay off,” he rued.
Majethia also reflected on the film’s format, stating that Khichdi’s heart lies in its small-screen charm, suggesting the big-screen adaptation might not have been the perfect fit. Speaking about the film’s failure in theaters and piracy, he added, “People did not want to wait to go to theaters to watch the film. Everyone downloaded and watched it in the comfort of their homes. I was amazed at the number of messages I received from everyone. However, it was too late. Honestly, I was really disappointed as we had worked so hard, especially on the songs and important sequences.”
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Despite the disappointment, the filmmaker, who plays the character of Himanshu in the franchise, remains optimistic. He highlighted the positive response on digital platforms, proving the enduring love for the characters and stories. He emphasises the film’s timeless nature, stating, “I honestly believe that a product (like Khichdi) never fails. We did decent business also. But unfortunately, we could not touch the financial mark we had expected. Everything just went against us,” suggesting its continued reach through future viewings.
Majethia also acknowledges the inherent pressure of creating sequels in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape. He notes the changing dynamics of humor and audience attention spans, requiring careful adaptation to resonate with modern viewers. This is echoed in his ongoing discussions with the Sarabhai vs Sarabhai cast — Rupali Ganguly, Rajesh Kumar, and Satish Shah — who have been asking him for a sequel soon. “They tell me at least make an episode. That’s how much they want the show to be back,” said Majethia, adding, “One needs to be sure when doing a sequel. You have to place the characters in today’s world.”
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