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Filmmaker Suneel Darshan Haunted by Traumatic Premiere Experience 20 Years Ago
6 Aug
Summary
- Suneel Darshan apprehensive about Andaaz 2 premiere due to Barsaat premiere controversy 20 years ago
- Barsaat collected £500,000 in UK but could have earned much more if not for "media-bashing"
- Darshan says "cartel" still exists, making it difficult for filmmakers like him

Suneel Darshan, the filmmaker behind the upcoming release Andaaz 2, is apprehensive about holding a premiere for his new film due to a shocking experience he had 20 years ago with the premiere of his 2005 film Barsaat.
Darshan reveals that despite Barsaat being a well-received film with good box office performance, earning £500,000 in the UK, it was subject to an unexpected "media-bashing" from "vested interests" prior to its release. This, he believes, significantly impacted the film's potential earnings. Darshan notes that his next film, Dosti: Friends Forever, went on to make £1 million, suggesting Barsaat could have achieved even greater success had it not been for the negative publicity.
Darshan laments that this "cartel" of vested interests still exists in the industry, making it difficult for independent filmmakers like himself to thrive. He is now hesitant to hold a premiere for Andaaz 2, fearing a repeat of the Barsaat experience.
Despite his reservations, Darshan plans to personally visit cinemas in Mumbai to gauge the audience's reaction to Andaaz 2 on its release, as he feels responsible for the newcomers in the film. He is hopeful that the film's music, which he describes as "phenomenal," will top the charts and help the movie find success.