The Bohra Bros, legendary makers behind some of Indian cinema's most iconic films, are celebrating a remarkable 78 years in the industry, leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood and beyond. From their humble beginnings with the film Lachak (featuring Geeta Bali) to creating a string of superhits, this third-generation production house has continuously pushed boundaries, telling unique and thought-provoking stories across various genres.
The journey began in the early years with notable films such as Dara Singh’s 'Hercules' and 'Thief of Bagdad', a rare trilogy made by the same production house, starring multiple generations of actors: first with Daljeet and Chitra, then with Dara Singh and Nishi, and later with Shatrughan Sinha, Kabir Bedi, and Sulakshana Pandit. The company’s wide-ranging portfolio also includes cult classics like 'Dr. Shaitan', 'Golden Eyes', and the iconic 'Al Hilal', which gave us the unforgettable song "Humein to loot liya milke husn walon ne".
The late 80s and early 90s saw Bohra Bros delivering big blockbusters such as 'Kaalia', 'Mard', and 'Ganga Ki Kasam', all starring the evergreen Mithun Chakraborty. But the true renaissance of their legacy came with films like 'Gangs of Wasseypur' (which was named one of The Guardian's 100 Best Worldwide Films) and 'Shaitan', both of which cemented their status as one of Bollywood's most daring and visionary production houses. Films like 'Michael', 'Not A Love Story', and 'Mastram' followed suit, each contributing to the diversity and richness of Indian cinema.
Bohra Bros continued to innovate with films that tackled important social issues, such as 'Shahid', starring Rajkummar Rao and directed by Hansal Mehta, which was a turning point in the actor’s career, and 'Malegaon Ka Superman'. The production house also backed commercial hits like 'Tanu Weds Manu', 'Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster', and 'Chittagong', further proving their knack for diverse storytelling.
Not just limited to Bollywood, Bohra Bros also made an impact in regional cinema, producing 48 highly successful Gujarati films, including 'Son Kansari', 'Patali Parmar', and 'Vifreli Vaghan', many of which were Silver Jubilee hits. Their commitment to nurturing the regional film industry is reflected in their Rajasthani films, including 'Baba Ramdev' and 'Maa Mane Kyun Parnai'.
The company has also made its mark in television, with groundbreaking shows such as 'Face The Review'—India's first live audience film review show, hosted by top critic Komal Nahata—as well as 'Mohalla Mahobbat Wala' (directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia) and 'Seeta Aur Geeta', to name just a few.
Reflecting on their illustrious journey, Sunil Bohra, Co-Founder of Bohra Bros, a third-generation filmmaker, said, “The intent of the company from day one has been the selection of unique, high-concept stories. We will continue to focus on telling stories that are both innovative and impactful. A strategic alliance with an international studio is in the works, and the slate for 2025-26 will be announced in the first quarter of 2025.”
As Bohra Bros celebrates their 78th year in cinema, their legacy stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to storytelling, quality filmmaking, and an ever-evolving vision for the future of the industry. With more exciting projects lined up, it’s clear that their journey is far from over.