The 1970s Hindi-language Indian masterpieces “Mili,” “Koshish,” and “Bawarchi,” which were produced under N.C. Sippy’s banner, are being remade by Jaadugar Films and Sameer Raj Sippy Productions.
Koshish (1972), a parody of the Japanese film “Happiness of Us Alone” from 1961, was directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Gulzar and stars Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bachchan (née Bhaduri). It focused on a deaf-mute couple who struggle against the odds to lead dignified lives. At India’s National Film Awards, Gulzar won best script and Kumar took home best actor.
Rajesh Khanna and Jaya Bachchan appeared in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s 1972 film “Bawarchi,” which was an adaptation of Tapan Sinha’s 1966 Bengali-language film “Galpo Holeo Satti.” Khanna portrays a gifted domestic worker who changes a chaotic middle-class household in the movie.
Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan starred in Mukherjee’s “Mili” (1975), which followed the growing romance between a despondent alcoholic and his upbeat neighbour, which was overshadowed by fatal illness.
The modern-day remakes, which are now in various phases of creation, will take place in today’s world.
The grandson of N. C. Sippy and the son of Raj Sippy is Sameer Raj Sippy. “Mrs Undercover” (2023), a ZEE5 original film, was previously made by Jaadugar Films.
Anushree Mehta and Abir Sengupta of Jaadugar Films said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be setting upon this magical journey of making three of our all-time favorite movies in a new form and mould. It is a huge responsibility as ‘Koshish,’ ‘Bawarchi’ and ‘Mili’ are celebrated in India and across the globe, which have been made by the legendary Gulzar and Hrishikesh Mukherjee who have set the standards of filmmaking for generations to come. These are the films we have grown up on and they are the stories that the new generation should also witness to know our rich cinematic legacy. We endeavor to put our best to live up to the expectations, the responsibility and most importantly remake these films, which will touch audiences hearts far and wide.”
