Bollywood has witnessed a number of high-profile films being shelved over the years, many of which were eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike. The reasons behind these cancellations or delays range from creative differences to financial difficulties, and even personal clashes among key players.
One such example is Deva (1987), which would have brought together industry giants Subhash Ghai and Amitabh Bachchan. Unfortunately, the film was halted after an ego clash between the two stars. Similarly, Time Machine (1992), a sci-fi adventure featuring Aamir Khan and Raveena Tandon, was shelved after a significant portion of its production was completed. Director Shekhar Kapur had to abandon the film due to financial constraints and his relocation to the U.S.
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In the 1990s, the tragic death of Divya Bharti led to the shelving of Parinaam (1993), a film she was set to star in alongside Akshay Kumar. The film could not continue after her passing, marking a heartbreaking moment in Bollywood history.
More recently, Shoebite (2007), starring Amitabh Bachchan, was completed but stuck in a legal battle over the rights to its story. The film’s journey was marred by disputes between the production companies, which led to its indefinite delay.
Another noteworthy shelved film is Munna Bhai Chale Amerika (2007), the third installment in the Munna Bhai series. Despite a teaser being released, the film was abandoned after Sanjay Dutt faced legal issues and the filmmakers found the script unsatisfactory.
While these cancellations are disappointing, they also highlight the fragile nature of Bollywood’s high-stakes productions, where a combination of creative, financial, and personal factors can derail even the most promising projects.
Here’s an overview of some notable films that were put on hold:
Rambo
This ambitious Hindi remake of the iconic Hollywood franchise, originally set to star Tiger Shroff, was delayed multiple times. Despite initial enthusiasm, the film remains on indefinite hold.
After the poor performances of Tiger Shroff’s recent films, like Heropanti 2 (2022), Ganapath (2023), and ‘Bade MIyan Chote Miyan’, the makers of Rambo have reportedly decided to stop the project. According to Mid-day, producer Siddharth and director Rohit Dhawan had big plans for Rambo, but after the disappointing response to his previous films, they decided to shelve Rambo.
Dostana 2
Starring Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Laksh Lalwani, the film faced a sudden halt after about 35 days of shooting. Reportedly, the abrupt shelving was due to a fallout between Kartik and Karan Johar, as well as some internal issues with the project.
In an interview with The Lallantop earlier this year, Janhvi shared her uncertainty about why Dostana 2 was no longer being made. She mentioned that the team had shot for about 30 to 35 days, and everything seemed to be going well. Despite her efforts to inquire about the project’s cancellation, she explained that the film began shooting before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent one-and-a-half-year delay led people to reconsider restarting the film.
Takht
Karan Johar’s grand historical drama, initially set to star Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and others, was shelved for undisclosed reasons. The film’s elaborate plot and star cast created great anticipation, but it has not seen the light of day
In an interview with Film Companion in 2021, Karan expressed how Takht held a special place in his heart, describing it as a project he had invested over two and a half years of preparation into. He recalled that they were set to begin filming on April 24, but the pandemic struck in March. The film was so large and complex that it required a team of a thousand workers on set daily. However, there has been no update on the same as yet. On his 51st birthday, Karan Johar announced his new directorial project. The title and the cast of the film has not been revealed yet.
Paani
Directed by Shekhar Kapur and slated to star Sushant Singh Rajput, Paani was one of the most talked-about films. The project was indefinitely delayed due to creative differences, and later, after Rajput’s tragic passing, it was shelved entirely.
Recently talking to ETimes about the same, Shekhar Kapur explained the challenges of pitching his project about the water crisis. He shared that producers often dismissed the idea, saying there was no apparent issue with water availability. To highlight the urgency, Kapur once posted a striking image on World Water Day showing a woman bathing her child using minimal water from a drain, emphasizing the crisis’s severity.
He further added, “We were in talks with Aditya Chopra and he was keen to make it but it did not work out. Later, a few more producers got interested to make the film but they were interested because Shekhar Kapur was directing it and not because the subject was important. So, I did not want them to be banking on the film because I was making it. Even today, when I ask people about water in their taps they say ‘nalke main paani to aata hai’. I am not sure they can imagine what they would do if they don’t get water for 2-3 days.”
The Intern
The Hindi remake of the popular film starring Rishi Kapoor and Deepika Padukone was planned with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead. After Kapoor’s death, the project lost momentum and was put on hold.
Producer Sunir Kheterpal told ETimes that the film is still under development and that there is no new update on it yet.
Munna Bhai Chale America
The third installment of the Munna Bhai series, which was supposed to reunite Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi, was shelved despite the teaser being released. Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani hinted that it could still happen in the future.
In an interview with Pinkvilla in 2023, Rajkumar Hirani shared his desire to make a third installment of the Munna Bhai franchise but revealed he’s been struggling with finding the right script. He mentioned having several unfinished scripts and that Sanjay Dutt frequently encourages him to move forward with the project. Hirani emphasised that he doesn’t want to create a film just for the sake of it, as he believes audiences will expect the same quality as the previous films.
Inshallah
A much-anticipated collaboration between Salman Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Inshallah was shelved after Khan’s fallout with Bhansali. The film, also starring Alia Bhatt, was one of the biggest losses in recent Bollywood history
Alia had told The Lallantop earlier this year that she hopes that Sanjay Leela Bhansali will someday make Inshallah, calling it a brilliant and beautiful love story. When the interviewer jokingly suggested that she might have to replace Salman Khan, Alia smiled and said that whatever decision Sanjay sir makes will be the best for the film.
Shuddhi
Karan Johar’s film Shuddhi has become well-known for its constant casting changes and rumours of being canceled. Initially, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan were linked to the project, followed by Salman Khan’s name. Later, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt were expected to star, but there has been no update on the film since. The future of Shuddhi is still uncertain.
Baiju Bawra
Another Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, this musical drama was supposed to star Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. However, it has been postponed indefinitely due to scheduling conflicts with the cast.
Chanda Mama Door Ke
Starring Sushant Singh Rajput in a pivotal role, this sci-fi film was set to explore space travel. After Rajput’s tragic passing, the film was shelved, and no updates have emerged about its future.
Gorkha
Akshay Kumar announced Gorkha in 2021, a film based on the life of Major General Ian Cardozo, a celebrated war hero from the Gorkha Regiment of the Indian Army. The project is helmed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan and produced by Aanand L. Rai and Himanshu Sharma. Akshay is set to play the lead role, showcasing Major General Cardozo’s inspiring life story, including his perseverance as an amputee soldier. However, the movie was shelved.
Filmmaker Aanand L Rai explained to Bollywood Hungama that Gorkha was shelved due to technical issues and the need for factual clarifications. He denied rumours that Akshay Kumar had quit the project. However, reports suggested Akshay withdrew after veterans from Major General Cardozo’s unit questioned the accuracy of the story. Akshay reportedly didn’t want to associate with a narrative that could be controversial.
Rumy Jafry’s Film with Sushant Singh Rajput
Before his untimely demise, Sushant Singh Rajput had reportedly committed to an untitled project with director Rumy Jafry. The film was expected to showcase a lighter, romantic side of the actor’s talent. However, after his passing, this project has remained unproduced, and there have been no announcements regarding its revival or any alternate plans by the director.
When asked about the latest update about the film, Rumy told ETimes, “I have been receiving a lot of messages from fans of Sushant Singh Rajput asking about the film. They want to watch the film that the late actor had loved and signed before his demise. Now, I am thinking of making the movie with some other actor. I will pitch the story to a new actor in the coming new year and I hope I get someone on board for it.”
The Immortal Ashwatthama
The Immortal Ashwatthama, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Vicky Kaushal, was an ambitious project inspired by the legendary character from the Mahabharata. The film was initially scheduled to start filming in early 2023, with Kaushal in the lead role and Sara Ali Khan as the female protagonist. However, the project faced delays due to various factors, including Kaushal’s scheduling conflicts, which led to rumors about Ranveer Singh replacing him. Eventually, these plans did not materialize, and the film went on hiatus.
Now, Shahid Kapoor has been brought on board to headline Ashwatthama: The Saga Continous. This ambitious project is now being directed by Sachin Ravi. However, it has faced significant production hurdles. Although the project was set to be a large-scale fantasy-action film with a budget exceeding Rs 500 crore, financial challenges and escalating production costs have caused delays. The project’s trajectory is uncertain at this point, as production has been paused due to financial constraints.
Reasons behind the delay or shelving:
The reasons behind delays or shelving of Bollywood films are multifaceted, and the examples of Rambo, Dostana 2, Takht, Paani, Munna Bhai Chale America, Inshallah, Shuddhi, Baiju Bawra, Sapna Didi, and Chanda Mama Door Ke reflect a combination of creative, financial, personal, and external challenges.
Creative Differences
Many films, such as Dostana 2 and Inshallah, faced creative roadblocks. In the case of Dostana 2, Kartik Aaryan’s fallout with Karan Johar and internal disagreements led to the film being shelved. Filmmakers often find it difficult to proceed with a project when creative conflicts arise between key stakeholders. Similarly, Inshallah faced a fallout between Salman Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, which ended the film’s potential.
Budget woes and missed deadlines
Films like Takht and Paani faced delays due to budget issues and the complexity of their production. Takht, a period drama from Karan Johar, required a massive budget for its lavish sets, period costumes, and star-studded cast. Such films often face financial constraints that make it difficult to proceed, especially when the economic climate becomes less conducive to high-risk ventures. Paani was delayed because of the scale of its vision and creative differences regarding how the film should be executed.
Shahid Kapoor’s mythological epic Ashwatthama has reportedly seen its budget trimmed from an initial Rs 500 crores to a more realistic Rs 200 crores, signaling a cautious stance from producers on high-cost ventures. Similarly, Suriya’s ambitious two-part historical drama Karna, once envisioned with a massive Rs 600-crore budget, is also undergoing significant financial adjustments.
Clashing schedules, changing faces
The delay of Baiju Bawra is attributed to scheduling conflicts with lead actors Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. In such cases, when cast members are committed to other projects, it’s difficult to lock down dates for shooting, causing the film to be delayed or shelved.
When external forces take over
The tragic demise of Sushant Singh Rajput had a significant impact on Chanda Mama Door Ke and Paani. Both films, which were closely linked to Rajput’s involvement, were shelved following his death. The emotional impact on the team, along with the loss of the film’s central actor, left the projects in limbo.
Similarly, Munna Bhai Chale America was delayed for an extended period and remained uncertain even after a teaser was released, in part due to the passing of key contributors, as well as creative exhaustion over a prolonged wait.
Adapting to a changing industry
Films like Shuddhi and Sapna Didi were impacted by changing market trends. Shuddhi, initially meant to star Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor, faced multiple delays due to various factors, including creative rework, as the Bollywood audience’s taste evolved. When a film doesn’t align with contemporary trends or expectations, it can be put on hold until its creative direction is reconsidered.
Big productions, bigger hurdles
Large-scale films like Rambo and Takht involve complex logistics, including international locations, intricate stunts, and elaborate post-production work. These projects often suffer from extended timelines and unexpected issues, such as shifting global conditions (e.g., pandemic-related delays) and production bottlenecks. These delays can lead to them being indefinitely postponed if the funds or resources needed to finish them aren’t readily available.
Film Trade analyst and expert, Girish Wankhede also pointed out that ‘fading stardom’ is yet another factor that is contributing to this trend. “One of the most significant reasons for the stalling of high-budget projects is the waning star power of the lead actors. In an industry where box office success is often closely tied to the popularity of its stars, a decline in their appeal can render a project less viable. As audiences’ preferences shift and new stars emerge, established actors may struggle to attract the same level of interest, leading producers to reconsider their investments in these projects,” he stated.
He further spoke about the challenges that production houses face. He added, “The stability and reputation of production banners play a crucial role in the realization of film projects. When a production house faces financial difficulties or has a history of unsuccessful ventures, it becomes increasingly challenging to secure the necessary funding and stakeholder support for new projects. Investors may shy away from high-risk endeavors, particularly if the banner has not proven its ability to deliver successful outcomes in the past.”
Another noticeable factor is the rising trend of dominant franchises. According to Girish, “Recent successes in the industry such as ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,’ ‘Pushpa 2‘ and ‘Stree 2’ have set a new standard for filmmaking. These franchise films not only offer strong entertainment value but also boast significant brand recognition. The pressure to meet or exceed these benchmarks can deter filmmakers from pursuing original concepts, as the fear of under-performance looms large. Consequently, many choose to wait for the right opportunity rather than risk launching a project that may not resonate with audiences.”
Not to forget the impact that movies have owing to the rising competition from the OTT platforms. ” The rise of streaming services has fundamentally altered the landscape of film production and distribution. OTT platforms are now offering lucrative deals to filmmakers, providing a safer and more predictable revenue stream compared to traditional theatrical releases. This shift has led many creators to gravitate toward smaller, more manageable projects that can be produced quickly and efficiently for streaming platforms, rather than investing time and resources into high-stakes theatrical ventures,” he concluded.
Unfinished films, unending fascination
The cancellation or delay of these films underscores the unpredictable nature of Bollywood, where multiple factors can prevent a project from reaching the screen. From creative differences and financial constraints to personal tragedies or shifts in the market, such challenges can disrupt even the most anticipated movies. These setbacks not only disappoint fans but also highlight the complexities of filmmaking, where aligning vision, budget, and audience expectations is no easy feat. Despite the hurdles, the industry continues to evolve, and while some films may never see the light of day, others will rise to fill the gap, reflecting Bollywood’s resilience and its ever-changing landscape.