Bollywood’s Most Expensive Film From 25 Years ago, Packed With Top Stars, Turned into a Disaster
Ajay Devgn’s Raju Chacha released in 2000 with a massive star cast and budget. But despite all efforts, the film tanked at the box office, leaving the actor in deep loss.
Did you know that 25 years ago, Bollywood saw one of its most expensive films — featuring a power-packed star cast — turn into a colossal box office disaster? Raju Chacha, produced by and starring Ajay Devgn alongside Kajol, was a film made with grand ambition, stunning visuals, and a dream team. Yet, it failed to strike a chord with audiences and remains one of the industry’s most infamous flops.
A Dream Project That Turned Into a Nightmare
Released in 2000, Raju Chacha was among the costliest Bollywood films of its time, made on a whopping budget of ₹25 crore — a huge amount back then. It promised everything: family drama, emotional moments, visual effects, and top-tier performances. But when it hit theatres, it failed to meet expectations and ended up earning just around ₹20 crore.
A Star-Studded Cast That Couldn’t Save the Film
Despite its underwhelming script, Raju Chacha featured a spectacular ensemble:
- Ajay Devgn as Raj / Raju Chacha
- Kajol as Anna
- Rishi Kapoor as Siddhant Rai (the father)
- Sanjay Dutt (special appearance)
- Tiku Talsania
- Smita Jaykar
- Johnny Lever
- Neena Kulkarni
- Raghuvir Yadav
The film also featured several child actors, as the story revolved around three orphaned kids and their inheritance.
The Plot Had Potential, But Execution Failed
Raju Chacha told the story of a single father and his three children. After the father dies, a kind-hearted governess (Kajol) enters their lives. However, greedy relatives and villains plan to steal their property. Enter Raju (Ajay Devgn), who pretends to be the children’s uncle to protect them.
While the plot was emotional and family-friendly, critics and audiences felt it lacked depth, pace, and originality. Even the film’s visual appeal and emotional scenes couldn’t compensate for its weak storytelling.
A Personal and Financial Setback for Ajay Devgn
The film wasn’t just a failure—it was a personal blow to Ajay Devgn. As both lead actor and producer, he bore the financial brunt. In a later interview, Kajol revealed that Ajay was deeply disturbed by the film’s failure and took a long time to recover from it. But to his credit, he never gave up on filmmaking and went on to produce many successful movies later.
IMDb Rating & Audience Reception
Raju Chacha currently holds a 5.1 rating on IMDb, reflecting its lukewarm reception. Despite the effort behind it, it failed to leave a lasting impression.
Final Takeaway
Raju Chacha stands as a reminder that even the biggest stars, the most lavish sets, and the highest budgets can’t guarantee a film’s success. What truly connects with the audience is a well-written story, strong direction, and emotional authenticity. While the film was a setback for Ajay Devgn, it also marked the beginning of his journey as a serious producer who learned from failure.
