Anees Bazmee marks 24 years of 'Deewangee' with Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna
Synopsis
Twenty-four years after its release, 'Deewangee' still resonates — and Anees Bazmee's anniversary post proved it, drawing instant nostalgia from fans and co-stars alike. The 2002 psychological thriller, which dared to centre a Bollywood blockbuster on courtroom psychology and a defendant's mental state, remains a benchmark in a genre Bollywood rarely revisits with the same seriousness.
Key Takeaways
Anees Bazmee marked 24 years of his psychological thriller 'Deewangee' on 26 October 2026 .
The 2002 film starred Ajay Devgn as Tarang Bharadwaj, Akshaye Khanna as Raj Goyal, and Urmila Matondkar as Sargam.
Actor Bhakhtyar Irani commented on the post, recalling the film's iconic dialogue.
Bazmee began his career as a screenwriter before debuting as director with 'Hulchul' in 1995 .
His recent work includes 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' ( 2022 ) and 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' ( 2024 ), both major box-office hits.
Filmmaker Anees Bazmee on 26 October 2026 celebrated 24 years of his psychological thriller 'Deewangee', taking to social media to share his gratitude to audiences for their enduring love for the 2002 cult classic. The film, starring Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna, and Urmila Matondkar, remains one of Bollywood's most talked-about courtroom thrillers.
The Milestone Post
Bazmee shared a glimpse from the film on his social media account, accompanied by the caption: 'Celebrating 24 Years of Deewangee. Thank you everyone for all the love. Gratitude.' The post quickly drew reactions from fans and industry colleagues alike. Actor Bhakhtyar Irani chimed in with nostalgia, commenting: 'What an awesome movie.... aaj tak mein line bolta hoon… BOHOT BHONK RAHA HAI YEH' — recalling one of the film's most memorable dialogues.
What Made 'Deewangee' Stand Out
Released in 2002, 'Deewangee' centred on a murder case and a high-stakes criminal trial. Ajay Devgn played Tarang Bharadwaj, a man whose mental state becomes the crux of the courtroom battle, while Akshaye Khanna portrayed Raj Goyal, the lawyer defending him. Urmila Matondkar starred as Sargam. The film was notable for its psychological layering — uncommon in mainstream Bollywood at the time — and earned a devoted following that has only grown with subsequent viewings.
Bazmee's Versatile Journey in Bollywood
Bazmee began his career as a screenwriter, contributing to films such as 'Swarg' (1990), 'Aankhen' (1993), 'Raja Babu' (1994), and 'Deewana Mastana' (1997). He made his directorial debut with the romantic drama 'Hulchul' in 1995, starring Ajay Devgn and Kajol, followed by 'Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha' in 1998. After 'Deewangee', he pivoted toward comedy entertainers — delivering box-office hits including 'No Entry' (2005), 'Welcome' (2007), and 'Singh Is Kinng' (2008).
Recent Work and Horror-Comedy Success
In recent years, Bazmee has cemented his association with the horror-comedy genre through 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' (2022) and 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' (2024), both starring Kartik Aaryan, which emerged as major commercial successes. He also helmed the thriller 'Naam' in 2024. His directorial portfolio further includes 'Ready' (2011), 'Welcome Back' (2015), 'Mubarakan' (2017), and 'Pagalpanti' (2019). The anniversary of 'Deewangee' serves as a reminder of a filmmaker equally at home with psychological depth and crowd-pleasing comedy.
Point of View
Yet it is this courtroom thriller that fans keep returning to. The anniversary also underlines a broader truth: films that respect audience intelligence tend to outlast their opening-week box-office numbers.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Deewangee' and when was it released?
'Deewangee' is a psychological thriller directed by Anees Bazmee, released in 2002. The film revolves around a murder case and criminal trial, with Ajay Devgn playing a man whose mental state becomes central to the legal proceedings.
Who starred in 'Deewangee'?
The film starred Ajay Devgn as Tarang Bharadwaj, Akshaye Khanna as lawyer Raj Goyal, and Urmila Matondkar as Sargam. Actor Bhakhtyar Irani was also part of the cast.
Why did Anees Bazmee celebrate 'Deewangee' in 2026?
26 October 2026 marks the 24th anniversary of 'Deewangee's release. Bazmee posted a tribute on social media, thanking audiences for their continued love and appreciation for the film over more than two decades.
What are Anees Bazmee's other notable films?
Bazmee's directorial credits include 'No Entry' (2005), 'Welcome' (2007), 'Singh Is Kinng' (2008), 'Ready' (2011), 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' (2022), 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' (2024), and 'Naam' (2024). He also has an extensive career as a screenwriter.
What dialogue from 'Deewangee' did Bhakhtyar Irani recall?
Bhakhtyar Irani commented 'BOHOT BHONK RAHA HAI YEH' on Bazmee's post, referencing a memorable line from the film. His comment reflected the enduring cultural recall of the movie's dialogue among audiences and cast members alike.
