This film with 3 stars was rejected by Aishwarya Rai, saw protests before release; later became blockbuster, earned...

Many films Raja Hindustani, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have rejected several films. However, one of the films that she rejected won several National Awards and was one of the most expensive films of the 90s.

The film we are talking about featured three stars one of which is now one of the highest-paid actors and the makers of the film recently released its sequel. It's none other than Indian. 

Helmed by Shankar, the 1996 film, Indian, was one of the most expensive films in the Indian film industry and despite facing some protests before the release of the film, it turned out to be a blockbuster. The film starred Kamal Haasan, Manisha Koirala, and Urmila Matondkar in key roles along with others. 

However, do you know that not Manisha Koirala, but Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was the first choice for the film? Well yes, Shankar tried to cast Aishwarya Rai to make her debut and portray the leading female role. However, Her commitment to her advertising agency until October 1995 made her reject the film. 

Reportedly made on a budget of Rs 8 crore, the film had a song that was shot at Prasad Studios featuring Haasan and Matondkar alongside 70 Bombay models. However, This led to a protest from the Cine Dancers Union who argued that Tamil dancers should have been utilized instead, with Shankar opting to pay them off to avoid further hassle. 

Upon release, the film turned out to be a blockbuster and reportedly collected Rs 55 crore worldwide at the box office. Not only this, it even won 3 National Awards including one for Kamal Haasan (Best Actor). The sequel to the film has now been released in theatres. 

In the sequel Kamal Haasan retains the lead role and it also stars Siddharth, Rakul Preet Singh, and others in key roles. Indian 2 has opened to mixed response from the audience and has taken a bumper opening in the south. It will be interesting to see if the film can pick up pace in the weekend

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