Raveena Tandon Looks Back as ‘Aks’ Turns 25

It’s hard to believe, but the Mahesh Bhatt‑directed thriller Aks is hitting the 25‑year mark this month. For Raveena Tandon, who played a pivotal role in the movie, the anniversary feels like opening an old diary – pages full of bright lights, late‑night rehearsals and the kind of excitement only a groundbreaking project can bring.

“When we wrapped up the shoot, I still had that electric buzz,” Raveena laughed, recalling the last day on set. “We were all exhausted, sure, but there was this feeling that we’d just made something different, something that would stick with people.”

The film, released in 1996, paired her opposite Amitabh Bachchan and Manisha Koirala, with a haunting soundtrack that still drifts through radio stations on occasion. Its story – a blend of supernatural intrigue and a gritty crime narrative – was a bold move for Bollywood at the time, and it pushed the boundaries of what mainstream cinema could explore.

Raveena admits that, back then, the script felt both thrilling and intimidating. “Mahesh sir gave us this dense, layered script,” she said, “and I remember sitting with the crew, dissecting every line, trying to understand the psychology behind each character.” The actress added that the intense preparation helped her discover a new depth in her own craft.

Beyond the artistic challenges, the shoot was peppered with moments that still make her smile. She recounts a particular rainy night when the crew had to film a chase sequence on a slick, makeshift set. “We were slipping everywhere, and the crew kept shouting ‘watch your step!’ It sounded like a chant,” she chuckles. “Even Amitabh ji kept his composure, which was both impressive and hilarious.”

Over the years, Aks has earned a cult following. Fans still quote its iconic dialogues, and the film’s eerie ambience continues to influence newer thrillers. For Raveena, the legacy is a source of quiet pride. “It’s not just about box‑office numbers,” she reflects, “it’s about the conversations we started – about fear, redemption, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.”

When asked how the milestone feels personally, the actress pauses, eyes softening. “It’s like meeting an old friend you haven’t seen in a while. You remember the highs, the low‑points, the learning curve. And you’re grateful for the journey.”

As the 25‑year celebration rolls out with retrospectives and fan tributes, Raveena Tandon hopes the film’s daring spirit continues to inspire. “If ‘Aks’ can still make people think, feel and talk after all this time, then we truly did something right,” she says, a warm smile playing on her lips.