There comes a time in almost every filmmaker’s career when they decide to adapt to changing times. Some find success and others, not so much. 

Here’s a look at 5 such filmmakers who tried to be “cool” but failed miserably. These include some of the most notable Hindi filmmakers like Aditya Chopra, Subhash Ghai, and Sooraj Barjatya.

Take a look at the list below:

1. Sooraj Barjatya’s Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon 

© Rajshri Productions

Known for his family-oriented entertainers, be it his debut Maine Pyaar Kiya or Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Hum Saath Saath Hain, in 2002 Sooraj tried to break from the tradition of his production house and decided to go “young”. The end result was Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon. 

In an interview , Sooraj had called it “a young film” with “contemporary” music that “has a western groove”. 

Starring three young stars of that time, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan, it was expected that Sooraj Barjatya will be able to break the mould and come out triumphant. But, the film turned out to be a huge critical and commercial flop. 

Post, the failure of Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Sooraj returned to his roots and delivered a huge blockbuster in Vivah. 

2. Aditya Chopra’s Befikre 

© Yash Raj Films

After making three huge blockbusters starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aditya Chopra decided to attempt a youth-oriented film for today’s generation.

The idea behind making Befikre for Aditya Chopra was simple, “What kind of film would I make if I was 23 today?” This was his first film as a director that didn’t star Shah Rukh Khan. 

The film starred Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor in the lead roles.  

Unfortunately, in an attempt to be “cool” and be in sync with today’s generation, Aditya Chopra delivered the first dud of his career as a director. He is yet to direct another film. But, it will be interesting to see which subject he will try to make a film on and whether he will go back to his lucky charm Shah Rukh Khan or not. 

3. Subhash Ghai’s Yaadein  

© Mukta Arts

Once known as the 'Showman', filmmaker Subhash Ghai directed some of the most iconic films in the ‘80 and ‘90s including Karma, Karz, Ram Lakhan, Hero, Pardes, Meri Jung, Saudagar, Khalnayak and Taal.  

With the start of the new millennium, he decided to make a young love story that will cater to the youth of that time. But, in an attempt to be “cool”, he delivered one of the most loathsome watching experiences in Yaadein.  

Starring Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor and Jackie Shroff, Yaadein was a commercial and critical misfire. It’s been over 20 years, Subhash Ghai is yet to direct a successful film.  

4. Harry Baweja’s Love Story 2050 

© Baweja Movies pvt ltd

In the ‘90s, Harry Baweja was known as a mass filmmaker who helmed highly successful and cult films like Dilwale, Diljale, Trinetra and Qayamat. 

In 2008, he decided to attempt a sci-fi, futuristic love story titled Love Story 2050. Made on a grand canvas, the film marked the debut of his son Harman Baweja and also starred Priyanka Chopra.  

The film was a critical and commercial disaster and Harry Baweja is yet to make another live-action feature-length Hindi film. 

5. Vikas Bahl’s Shaandaar 

© Dharma Productions

Known for his slice of life, closer to reality films like Chillar Party and Queen, Vikas Bahl decided to go the Karan Johar way and directed a lavish entertainer about rich people. 

Shaandaar starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Pankaj Kapur was a huge flop. With that, he went back to his roots and delivered success in Super 30.

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