Thugs of Hindostan

Behind the Scenes of Thugs of Hindostan: Clashes, High Stakes, and a Bollywood Epic’s Rocky Ride

Thugs of Hindostan (2018) promised to be a historic Bollywood spectacle, uniting legends Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan under director Vijay Krishna Acharya. But behind the lavish sets and high-octane trailers, the film’s production was reportedly as dramatic as its swashbuckling plot. latestnetflix.com's view is that From on-set tensions to creative disagreements, here’s what the evidence reveals about the making of this ambitious flop.

A Director’s Gamble: Original Story or Adaptation?

Vijay Krishna Acharya, known for the Dhoom franchise, insisted Thugs of Hindostan was an original story—not an adaptation of Philip Meadows Taylor’s 1839 novel Confessions of a Thug. In a video clip, Acharya and Aamir Khan explicitly denied basing the film on any book, framing it as a fresh historical adventure. This was a bold move, given the novel’s influence on the "thuggee" lore in pop culture. Whether the decision was creative or strategic remains unclear, but the film’s historical setting (early 19th-century British India) and themes of rebellion against colonial rule suggest at least an indirect nod to Taylor’s work.

On-Set Tensions: Bachchan vs. Khan vs. Acharya

The film’s production was marred by reports of clashes among its biggest stars and director. Multiple sources describe heated arguments between Amitabh Bachchan and Vijay Krishna Acharya, with one video showing the two in a visible disagreement on set. The specifics of their dispute aren’t detailed in the snippets, but rumors (unconfirmed) suggest creative differences over Bachchan’s character, Khudabaksh, a larger-than-life rebel leader.

Aamir Khan, known for his perfectionism, wasn’t immune to friction either. A video titled "Amitabh Bachchan Clashes With Aamir Khan" hints at tensions between the two megastars, though the evidence doesn’t clarify whether these were professional or personal. Given the film’s high budget and star power, such conflicts weren’t entirely surprising—but they likely added to the pressure on set.

Shooting in Malta: A Logistical Nightmare?

Thugs of Hindostan was shot in Malta, a location chosen for its resemblance to 19th-century India. Director Acharya spoke about the challenges of filming there, including coordinating massive action sequences and managing a large cast. The snippets don’t provide specifics on delays or budget overruns, but the film’s eventual critical and commercial failure suggests the shoot’s difficulties may have extended beyond logistics. With a runtime of 164 minutes, the film’s scale was ambitious, but whether the Malta shoot contributed to its struggles remains speculative.

**The Game of Thrones Comparison: Hype or Hubris?**

In a promotional clip, Acharya and Khan joked about comparisons between Thugs of Hindostan and Game of Thrones, with Acharya playfully dismissing the idea that his film could rival HBO’s epic. The comment was likely tongue-in-cheek, but it underscored the film’s lofty aspirations. With a reported budget of ₹300 crore (one of Bollywood’s most expensive at the time), the stakes were high. The film’s eventual 6.2/10 rating on SensCritique and poor reception on Rotten Tomatoes suggest the hype didn’t translate to success.

Why the Film Flopped: A Cautionary Tale

Despite its star power and scale, Thugs of Hindostan was panned for its weak script, over-the-top CGI, and lack of cohesion. The behind-the-scenes drama—clashes, creative disagreements, and logistical hurdles—may have contributed to its downfall. While the evidence doesn’t confirm whether these issues directly caused the film’s failure, they paint a picture of a production fraught with challenges.

For Bollywood, Thugs of Hindostan remains a cautionary tale: even the biggest stars and budgets can’t guarantee success if the story—and the set—aren’t in sync.