23 Years of Aankhen: Did You Know Vipul Amrutlal Shah's Film Had Two Different Endings? Deets Inside

MUMBAI: Vipul Amrutlal Shah is one of the most celebrated filmmakers in Indian cinema, known for delivering gripping narratives and unforgettable classics. His unique approach to storytelling has given audiences a diverse range of compelling films. One such masterpiece is Aankhen, a thriller-comedy starring Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar in the lead. The film which was released 23 years ago today, was a massive hit, widely appreciated for its intense storyline and nail-biting climax. But did you know that Vipul Amrutlal Shah had shot two different climaxes for Aankhen?

Yes, Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s Aankhen had two distinct endings—one tailored for Indian audiences and another for international viewers. The filmmakers believed that Indian audiences would expect justice to prevail, so the domestic version featured Amitabh Bachchan’s character repenting and ultimately being arrested, delivering a morally satisfying conclusion.

However, the overseas cut took a darker, more unconventional turn, showcasing Amitabh’s character bribing the police and escaping, leaving him free to pursue Akshay Kumar and Arjun Rampal. This alternate ending heightened the suspense and unpredictability of the narrative, making Aankhen a rare film with dual climaxes catering to different sensibilities.

Aankhen revolves around a disgruntled bank manager who trains three blind men to execute a daring bank heist. The gripping thriller was directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and produced by Gaurang Doshi. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Sushmita Sen, Arjun Rampal, and Paresh Rawal in pivotal roles.