In a celebratory move for Bollywood enthusiasts, Excel Entertainment’s co-founder Ritesh Sidhwani and acclaimed filmmaker Zoya Akhtar have announced the re-release of the beloved film “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” (ZNMD). This initiative is part of a special retrospective film festival organized by PVR Inox Cinemas’ luxury arm, The Luxury Collection, to commemorate Zoya Akhtar’s 15-year journey in the film industry. The week-long festival will showcase a selection of Akhtar’s widely acclaimed films, including “Luck By Chance,” “Dil Dhadakne Do,” “Talaash,” “Gully Boy,” and, notably, “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.”
Released in 2011, “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” is a road comedy-drama that follows three childhood friends—Arjun, Kabir, and Imran—on a transformative journey through Spain. The film features an ensemble cast of Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif, and Kalki Koechlin. Praised for its direction, screenplay, music, and performances, ZNMD has garnered a cult following over the years.
Reflecting on the retrospective, Zoya Akhtar expressed her excitement: “When I heard about this retrospective, I was excited because my films are going to be on the big screen again. I love the movies. This industry has got all my heart; I do not want to be anywhere else; this is my home.” She also highlighted the significance of the new PVR Inox Lido cinema, stating, “The new PVR Lido cinema really gives the youth a chance to watch older films that may have been before their time—it’s a real gift.” bollywoodhungama.com
In addition to the ZNMD re-release, Ritesh Sidhwani has confirmed plans to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the iconic film “Dil Chahta Hai” with a grand theatrical return next year. Released in 2001, “Dil Chahta Hai” marked the directorial debut of Farhan Akhtar and was the inaugural project for Excel Entertainment. The film, starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna, focuses on the lives of three college graduates navigating the complexities of love and friendship. It received widespread critical acclaim for its fresh storyline, direction, and performances, and has since achieved cult status. en.wikipedia.org
Reflecting on the journey of Excel Entertainment, Farhan Akhtar shared a heartfelt message on social media: “20 Years Of Excel. And to think all we wanted was to just make ‘Dil Chahta Hai.’ Thank you to all actors, writers, directors, technicians, music directors, lyricists, and every single person from all creative departments and production teams that walked alongside and sometimes carried me on this journey. None of it was possible without you.” indianexpress.com
The decision to re-release these films comes at a time when audiences are eager to relive cinematic classics on the big screen. The retrospective not only celebrates Zoya Akhtar’s contributions to Indian cinema but also offers a unique opportunity for both existing fans and a new generation of moviegoers to experience these films in a theatrical setting.
As the film industry continues to evolve, initiatives like these underscore the enduring impact of storytelling and the communal experience of cinema. Fans can look forward to revisiting the adventures of Arjun, Kabir, and Imran in “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” and celebrating the timeless friendship depicted in “Dil Chahta Hai” as it returns to theaters next year.
