Amitabh Bachchan's 1973 blockbuster was initially a flop, director's son reveals: 'Father mortgaged house, mother's jewellery'

Despite the enormous expectations surrounding it, Zanjeer, the ambitious project helmed by Prakash Mehra, initially failed to make an impact at the box office. Today, the film is remembered as a turning point in Hindi cinema, marking the emergence of the “angry young man” persona, the breakthrough of Amitabh Bachchan, and the bold storytelling vision of its director. However, the struggles behind its creation, including the immense financial risks Mehra undertook, remain largely untold.

The journey began in 1972, when Mehra was still carving out his identity in the industry. After achieving success with Samadhi, starring Dharmendra, he was eager to build on that momentum. Determined not to let the opportunity slip, he began searching for a strong subject that could firmly establish his reputation. Dharmendra, who shared his enthusiasm, introduced him to a script he had obtained from the writing duo Salim–Javed, who were still relatively unknown at the time.

Impressed by the story, Mehra decided to acquire it and move ahead with production. He cast Amitabh Bachchan, who was then struggling to find his footing in the industry. Fully committed to the project, Mehra took enormous financial risks, even pledging his home and his wife’s jewellery to raise funds. Despite this unwavering belief, the film’s initial reception was disappointing, leaving both the filmmaker and the lead actor disheartened.


In an interview with Vicky Lalwani, Mehra's son Puneet Mehra, the early failure deeply affected everyone involved. Bachchan reportedly fell ill due to stress, while Mehra, burdened by the weight of his gamble, spent anxious moments by the seaside in Mumbai, trying to cope with the situation. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, an unexpected update arrived from Kolkata, revealing that audiences there were flocking to theatres in large numbers.

Soon, similar reports began pouring in from other regions, and the film’s fortunes changed dramatically. What started as a setback transformed into a remarkable success story, turning Zanjeer into a landmark film. It also paved the way for a long and influential collaboration between Salim–Javed and Amitabh Bachchan, leading to iconic films like Deewaar and Sholay, ultimately cementing Bachchan’s status as a superstar.