Anees Bazmee's "Welcome," which premiered in December 2007, wasn't just another Bollywood comedy; it was a phenomenon in the making. This "accidental comedy," as some have called it, has evolved into a meme factory and a cult classic, etching itself into the annals of Indian pop culture.
Initially conceived as a love story, "Welcome" organically transformed into a comedy as the writing process unfolded. The narrative lent itself to the creation of eccentric and unforgettable characters, becoming a "pure Bollywood masala film with no agenda, no moral compass, and absolutely no shame about its own madness".
The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Feroz Khan, Paresh Rawal, and Mallika Sherawat in prominent roles. The story revolves around Rajiv (Akshay Kumar), who falls in love with Sanjana (Katrina Kaif), the sister of two feared dons, Uday Shetty (Nana Patekar) and Majnu Bhai (Anil Kapoor). The conflict arises when Rajiv has to convince Sanjana's family to accept their alliance without any criminal ties.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics initially, "Welcome" struck a chord with the audience due to its over-the-top humor and slapstick comedy, which has become a signature style of director Anees Bazmee. The performances of Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor as the affable gangsters Uday and Majnu were particularly praised.
"Welcome" was a major commercial success, becoming the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2007. Made on a budget of ₹320 million (US$3.8 million), the film grossed ₹1.22 billion (US$14 million) worldwide. The film's soundtrack, with songs like "Welcome Welcome" and "Uncha Lamba Kad", also contributed to its popularity.
The film's dialogues and scenes have transcended the screen, finding a new life as memes that resonate with a wide audience. Lines like "Control, Uday, control" and Majnu Bhai's paintings have become ingrained in the Indian meme culture. Even years after its release, the film continues to be referenced and parodied in various media, solidifying its place as a cultural touchstone.
The success of "Welcome" led to a sequel, "Welcome Back," in 2015, with many of the original cast members reprising their roles. The franchise is set to continue with a third installment, "Welcome to the Jungle".
Anees Bazmee, born in 1962, began his career as a child actor before transitioning to screenwriting and directing. He made his directorial debut with "Hulchul" in 1995, but his breakthrough came with "Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha" in 1998. He is known for directing comedy films such as "No Entry" (2005), "Singh Is Kinng" (2008), "Ready" (2011), and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2" (2022).
"Welcome" stands as a testament to the enduring power of comedy and its ability to connect with audiences across generations. Its outrageous humor, memorable characters, and iconic scenes have made it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film's journey from a simple love story to a meme-generating cult classic is a unique case study in Bollywood's ever-evolving landscape.
