Friday, August 8, , in a shocking turn of events, new films from two of the most influential directors of the 1990s, Suneel Darshan and Rajiv Rai, have opened to a shockingly disastrous response. Their respective films, Andaaz 2 and Zora, have been met with empty cinema halls across the country. Early reports from exhibitors paint a grim picture, with some multiplexes reporting single-digit ticket sales – as low as 7-8 seats – for initial shows, a catastrophic result by any measure.
A Complete Rejection From The Audience
In an era defined by aggressive marketing, viral social media campaigns, and star-powered promotions, both Andaaz 2 and Zora arrived at the box office with almost zero buzz. The films’ complete failure to register with the public signifies a total rejection by the modern audience, a large segment of which seems entirely unaware or uninterested in the return of these once-iconic filmmakers. This is not just a box office failure; it’s a statement on the changing dynamics of Bollywood.
Despite their premises, neither film could generate a flicker of interest. Andaaz 2 was meant to be a spiritual successor to the 2003 musical hit, promising a grand triangular love story. Meanwhile, Zora was positioned as a gritty vigilante thriller, a genre Rai once mastered. However, the concepts alone proved insufficient to draw crowds.
The Ghosts of a Glorious Past
The disastrous opening is made even more poignant when contrasted with the directors’ glorious past. Rajiv Rai was the hit machine behind genre-defining blockbusters like the slick thriller Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997), the action-packed Mohra (1994), and the multi-starrer Vishwatma (1992). His films were celebrated for their stylish execution, chart-topping music, and edge-of-the-seat suspense.
Similarly, Suneel Darshan was a powerhouse in the late 90s and early 2000s, known for launching the careers of superstars and delivering massive musical hits. His filmography includes the original Andaaz (2003), which successfully launched Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra, and the emotional drama Jaanwar (1999), which famously revived Akshay Kumar’s career.
What Went Wrong?
The immediate reasons for this catastrophic opening seem clear. Both films lack bankable, modern stars in their lead roles and suffered from dated promotional strategies that failed to make an impact online. The core issue, however, appears to be a narrative style that feels completely disconnected from the sensibilities of the 2025 audience. This brutal Friday serves as a harsh lesson from the box office: legacy and past success are no longer enough to guarantee an audience.
About Zora
Zora is a Hindi action-thriller directed by the acclaimed 90s filmmaker Rajiv Rai. The film follows a vigilante cop’s two-decade-long hunt for his father’s killer. It was released on August 8, 2025.
About Andaaz 2
Andaaz 2 is a romantic drama directed by veteran filmmaker Suneel Darshan. Envisioned as a spiritual successor to his 2003 hit, the film is a triangular love story with a significant musical component. It was released on August 8, 2025.
(Also read: It’s A Wrap For Param Sundari – Sidharth Malhotra Calls The Journey A “MAD Ride” As Film Heads For August 29 Release )
Stay tuned with us for latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, latest Bollywood news, and latest box office news.
Related