Anubhav Sinha Reflects on 20 Years of 'Dus', Expresses Desire to Return to Action Genre.jpg)
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Mumbai: Celebrated filmmaker Anubhav Sinha marked the 20th anniversary of his action-packed film ‘Dus’, recalling the movie’s enduring legacy and opening up about his personal journey since its release. The 2005 film, known for its slick visuals, fast-paced narrative, and chart-topping music, continues to resonate with audiences even after two decades.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Sinha shared the poster of Dus along with a heartfelt note. In his caption, he acknowledged the love the film still receives and candidly reflected on how the project shaped his early career.
“Dus Bahane” and the Rise of a New Era in Bollywood Music
Released during the golden era of 2000s Bollywood, Dus stood out not just for its high-octane action, but also for its blockbuster soundtrack, particularly the iconic track “Dus Bahane” composed by Vishal-Shekhar. The song became an instant hit across the country and played a significant role in building anticipation for the film.
“Dus Bahane in the trailer itself had become a big hit,” wrote Sinha, crediting the entire team for their dedication. “Vishal Shekhar did an amazing job. Everyone did a great job in the film.”
He added that while the film had its flaws, he humbly took responsibility for them. “The flaws that were, and enough, were all mine,” he said, recalling his experience as a first-time director working with big stars in Mumbai.
The Evolution from Commercial Potboilers to Social Cinema
Anubhav Sinha, who hails from Banaras, later transitioned to socially driven cinema with acclaimed films like ‘Mulk’, ‘Article 15’, ‘Thappad’, and ‘Bheed’. However, in his post, he admitted to occasionally feeling nostalgic about his action-film roots.
“Now I myself forgot I can make action movies, and can make superhero movies,” he wrote. “Apart from some actors, no one ever discusses such movies with me anymore.”
Sinha also admitted that he feels a tinge of jealousy when watching trailers of big-ticket Bollywood entertainers. “Then I sit down to write something more. The mind pulls there. And art is from the mind,” he shared.
In a message to fans of both his commercial and critically acclaimed films, Sinha playfully wrote: “Dil to bacha hai ji”—a nod to his lingering creative itch for entertaining, larger-than-life stories.
A Cinematic Milestone
Dus featured a stellar cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Zayed Khan, Suniel Shetty, Shilpa Shetty, and Dia Mirza, and was one of the biggest box office successes of 2005. The film’s stylish direction and gripping action sequences set a new benchmark for Bollywood thrillers of that era.
Sinha fondly recalled actor Sanjay Dutt’s encouraging words after the dubbing session: “Sinha sir, your work is done.”
The Changing Face of Bollywood Music
The director also touched upon the shift in Bollywood’s music landscape. He noted that the 2000s era was particularly vibrant due to the influx of advertising-background composers who introduced fresh, groovy, and melodious tracks into mainstream cinema.
Today, many music enthusiasts argue that Bollywood’s soundtracks in the 2020s have become monotonous, often stuck in formulaic loops lacking the diversity and creativity of earlier decades.
Looking Ahead
While Anubhav Sinha continues to make hard-hitting, socially relevant films, his message hints at the possibility of a return to high-concept, big-scale cinema. Whether he chooses to revisit the action genre or not, his legacy—from Dus to Thappad—demonstrates his versatility as a filmmaker.
Fans of both eras—those who grooved to “Dus Bahane” and those who applauded Article 15—may just get to see a filmmaker who bridges style with substance once again.