Aakansha Naval Shetye (DNA; July 3, 2012)

A still from the movie Bol Bachchan

Bollywood’s love for double roles is an old one. Right from Hum Dono to Ram Aur Shyam to Seeta Geeta and later Mahaan, Chaalbaaz, Bol Radha Bol, Kishen Kanhaiya, Gurudev, Duplicate, Judwaa… there’s never been dearth of such films in the past. But it’s only more recently that filmmakers seem to have stumbled upon this formula once again and are not shying away from cashing on it. So, the recent superhit Rowdy Rathore had Akshay Kumar play a double role, while Saif Ali Khan is gearing to play two roles in the sequel of Judwaa and Kangna Ranaut reportedly in Tanu Weds Manu sequel. There’s also buzz that Katrina Kaif may be reprising Hema Malini’s iconic roles in a remake of Seeta Aur Geeta. Not just A-listers, starlet Veena Malik who made her debut in a recent release (Daal Mein Kuch Kaala Hai), too played a double role.

Trade observers say that double roles have always been lapped up by film lovers here. “There’s already more scope for entertainment in such films, be it action or comedy. Double roles naturally lend themselves to very interesting situations that work in favour of the films. So, it’s a tried and tested formula that has high success rates,” explains trade analyst Taran Adarsh, but adds that since the kumbh ke mele mein bicchade bit is a bit too done to death, filmmakers also have to be more innovative when it comes to presenting them.

Filmmaker David Dhawan, who has explored More >