As the highly anticipated release date of Gadar 2 draws near, director Anil Sharma takes a nostalgic look back at the journey of its predecessor and shares his thoughts on the upcoming sequel. In an exclusive interview with Lehren Retro, Anil Sharma discussed the contrasting critical reception and box office success of the original Gadar: Ek Prem Katha.
Anil Sharma candidly reflected on the initial reception of Gadar in the interview, stating, “At that time, even though Gadar became a massive hit, there were many who did not fully appreciate the film. It’s okay. The same phenomenon occurred with iconic classics like Mughal-E-Azam and Sholay; these masterpieces didn’t necessarily garner awards. However, it’s noteworthy that the public cherished and respected the film.”
Recalling the early days after Gadar‘s release, Sharma shed light on the less favorable reviews the film received. He reminisced, “The industry labeled Gadar as ‘gutter.’ I vividly remember the first review I came across, which dubbed the film ‘Gutter Ek Prem Katha.’ A reviewer from a prominent English-language newspaper even expressed that reviewing the movie was beneath their stature. To this day, I’m puzzled by the severity of the criticism.”
Amidst these reflections, the news of Gadar 2‘s impending release is generating considerable excitement among cinephiles. Reports indicate that the sequel is poised for a remarkable first-day collection, with an impressive sale of over 1 lakh tickets across various multiplexes.
The narrative of Gadar 2 continues the saga of Tara Singh, portrayed by the enigmatic Sunny Deol. The film also sees the return of Ameesha Patel, reprising her role as Tara Singh’s wife, Shakeena. Utkarsh Sharma, who portrayed Sunny and Ameesha’s son in the original film, is set to captivate audiences once again in his reprise role. The sequel is set in 1971, approximately 17 years after the events depicted in Gadar. The trailer hints at a riveting plot as Tara Singh embarks on a daring journey to Pakistan to rescue his son, Charan Jeet Singh (played by Utkarsh Sharma), from the clutches of the Pakistani Army.
Gadar 2 promises to deliver an engaging cinematic experience, characterized by its powerful dialogues and intense action sequences. Director Anil Sharma has masterfully crafted a sequel that not only pays homage to the legacy of its predecessor but also seeks to carve out its own unique place in the pantheon of Indian cinema. As audiences eagerly await the grand theatrical release on August 11, it is evident that Gadar 2 is poised to captivate hearts and reaffirm the enduring magic of storytelling on the silver screen.
