Madhur Bhandarkar’s directorial ‘Aan: Men At Work’ (2004) celebrated its nineteenth anniversary yesterday. The multi starrer featuring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Jackie Shroff, Shatrughan Sinha and late Irrfan Khan opened to a mixed response from the trade and the audiences. However, it received praise for its making and action choreography.
Following an unimpressive theatrical performance, the film earned its due upon its satellite release where it got noted for its storyline, action sequences and top worthy performances by Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal and Irrfan Khan. Over the years, it gained a cult following among the audiences and is still likeable in today’s times.
Director Madhur Bhandarkar, who is usually known for hard hitting and realistic films, featuring female protagonists, stepped out of his regular style of filmmaking with this film. He directed a commercial action drama entertainer that attempted to appeal both classes and masses with its smart and intelligent writing.
Produced by Firoz Nadiadwala, the film has the potential to turn into a franchise. Although Suniel Shetty’s character in the film was declared dead before the climax, Firoz and Madhur Bhandarkar have a good opportunity to develop the actioner into a franchise on a large scale by keeping Akshay Kumar’s character from the original film at center with the addition of new characters in the sequel.
