Shah Rukh Khan's Zero Director Aanand L. Rai Produced 10 Films After Delivering Blockbuster Tanu Weds Manu Returns

Back in 2015, Aanand L. Rai delivered a solid Blockbuster in the form of Tanu Weds Manu Returns. Sequel to Tanu Weds Manu, the film stays on to be the highest grossing small film of all times. Of course, there was temptation galore for the director, who also has another hit to his credit in the form of Raanjhanaa, to go ahead and direct another major film in a jiffy. However, he decided to wait. While he channelized all his energy into putting together his biggest film till date, Zero, he didn't let go off his love to make more films for audiences.

Result? He went on to produce as many as 10 films in three years flat between Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Zero.

"This is as remarkable a feat as it gets," says an insider, "For any filmmaker to pull off so many releases in quick time is a big deal indeed and Aanand managed to do that even when he was busy with Zero that required a lot of time, effort and energy from him."

The films with the name Aanand L. Rai as a producer were Nil Battey Sannaata, its Tamil counterpart Amma Kanakku, Happy Bhag Jayegi, the film's sequel Happy Phir Bhag Jayegi, Newton, Shubh Mangal Savdhan, Mukkabaaz, Meri Nimmo, Manmarziyaan and Tumbbad. 

"As is the case with any filmmaker when there is an array of films being produced across genre, even Aanand has seen his fair share of successes and disappointments in this list. However, no one can deny the fact that the production values have been apt as per the subject and the genre, and there has been classy treatment for each of the enterprises."

The biggest success amidst these releases has been Shubh Mangal Savdhan which dealt with the taboo subject of erectile dysfunction. As for Newton, it won critical acclaim as well as commercial success. Happy Bhag Jayegi was a good success while Tumbbad has been one of the better received horror flick in a real long time and went on to grow immensely from word of mouth.

"Aanand wanted to make films across genres. Moreover, he didn't want to impose his filmmaking style over other directors. Each one of these films has its own sensibility coming into play with Aanand primarily ensuring that there is value add that definitely comes in due to his involvement in the project," a close associate adds.

What further aided these films to cover a good distance when it came to promotion, marketing and release was the tie up that Aanand has with Eros International.

"The two have good partnership coming into play and that has stayed on from the days of Tanu Weds Manu Returns to Tumbbad. They have forged a very good association which is definitely there for the keeps. Eros' distribution network coupled with Aanand's goodwill has ensured an apt release for these films," the insider continues.

Meanwhile with Zero, Aanand is now returning as a filmmaker and one expects him to bring on a Blockbuster all over again, this time with Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma joining hands. A Red Chillies Entertainment production, Zero releases all over on 21st December.