‘Welcome’ turns 18: Anees Bazmee revisits the comedy that became a cult favourite

Eighteen years ago, a loud laugh echoed through cinema halls. It did not fade with time. Instead, it stayed. Today, that laughter is still alive playing on television screens, streaming apps, and endlessly on social media. ‘Welcome’ has completed 18 years and director Anees Bazmee is feeling the love all over again.

A film that refuses to grow old

Released in 2007, ‘Welcome’ did not arrive quietly. It burst in with over-the-top characters, rapid-fire jokes, and moments so absurd that they became unforgettable. On its 18th anniversary, Anees Bazmee took to Instagram to look back, not with pride alone, but with emotion.

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He shared a video filled with the film’s funniest scenes; moments that fans still use as memes, reactions, and inside jokes.

 

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A post shared by Anees Bazmee (@aneesbazmee)

What made ‘Welcome’ special was not just the story. It was people who lived inside it. From the wild madness of Majnu bhai and Uday to Ghungroo’s silent suffering, every character felt larger than life.

Rajiv’s innocent confusion, RDX’s stylish fear, and the unpredictable world around them created a universe viewers loved to revisit. Over time, ‘Welcome’ stopped being just a movie. It became a “comfort watch”.

An ensemble that clicked perfectly

The film brought together a powerful cast of Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Feroz Khan, and Mallika Sherawat.

Music, madness, and nonstop laughs

Beyond performances, ‘Welcome’ worked because it moved fast and never slowed down. The screenplay jumped from one joke to another, leaving little room for boredom. The music was catchy, the timing sharp, and the humour bold.

The film released during Christmas in 2007 and faced strong competition at the box office. Reviews were mixed. But audiences showed up in large numbers. Word of mouth helped it grow. And soon it became one of the biggest hits of the year.

‘Welcome’ also holds emotional value for fans as it marked the final screen appearance of Feroz Khan.

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