The high-stakes evolution of a Bollywood blockbuster's identity
In short: What began as a star-driven remake of a Tamil hit transformed through script changes, pandemic delays, and a complete title overhaul. Discover how a project once titled 'Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali' became a massive, albeit critically divisive, cinematic event.
The journey of the 2023 film 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Slob' (KBKJ) is a study in cinematic pivots. Originally conceived by director Farhad Samji as a remake of the 2014 Tamil film 'Veeram'—potentially titled 'Bachchhan Paandey' starring Akshay Kumar—the project underwent a significant shift. After the script was modified to instead adapt the Tamil film 'Jigarthanda', the production rights moved from Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment to Salman Khan Films.
Production was far from seamless. Initially announced on 10 January 2020 under the working title 'Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali', the film faced extensive pre-production delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn't until August 2022 that the official title was finalized. The filming process, which spanned from May 2022 to February 2023, took the crew through diverse landscapes, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Ladakh.
Upon its release on 21 April 2023, coinciding with Eid, the film met a polarized reception. While it achieved significant commercial milestones—grossing over ₹182 crore against a ₹130 crore budget and becoming the fourth post-pandemic Hindi film to cross the ₹100 crore mark in its opening weekend—critics were largely unsparing. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 0% positive rating from 9 critics, with outlets like The Indian Express and India Today even labeling it among the worst Hindi films of 2023.
Despite the critical backlash, the film's impact was felt through social media. The 'Billi Billi' music video, featuring a viral hook step choreographed by Jani Master, became a massive sensation, demonstrating the enduring power of star-driven spectacle in the digital age.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-kisi-ka-bhai-kisi-ki-jaan.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
