Home EntertainmentThis Amitabh Bachchan film pushed ABCL into bankruptcy, left director Tinnu Anand scarred for life, movie name is…
Filmmaker Tinnu Anand revealed how financial troubles at Amitabh Bachchan’s ABCL left him struggling with strikes, unpaid crew, and humiliation during the making of Major Saab.
Published: September 20, 2025 2:50 PM IST
Filmmaker Tinnu Anand recently opened up about one of the most difficult chapters of his career, the making of the 1998 film Major Saab. Directed by him, the film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, and Sonali Bendre. In a candid interview with Bollywood Bubble, Anand revealed how financial troubles at Amitabh Bachchan’s production company, ABCL, created unimaginable hurdles during the shoot.
Anand recalled, “When Amitabh Bachchan decided to venture into corporate business, he went bankrupt. Unfortunately, at that time, I was making Major Saab for him. We were working in very difficult circumstances, only I know what I went through.”
How did ABCL’s financial woes affect the crew?
According to Anand, the situation was so dire that the production team struggled to pay the crew on time. As a result, strikes became a regular occurrence on set. “The producer did not have money and had kept the entire unit in the same hotel. Just imagine the kind of situation it was. Every other day, the crew would go on strike because they were not being paid, and they would refuse to work,” Anand shared.
He further revealed how the constant unrest made the atmosphere extremely stressful. Despite being the director, he was left feeling helpless.
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Why did Tinnu Anand quit directing after the film?
The challenges of Major Saab left such a deep impact on Anand that he made a life-altering decision. “That is why I decided that after Major Saab, I would never direct a film again. Because of the kind of pain I went through, nobody can understand,” he confessed.
The filmmaker also recalled how the crew’s behaviour left him humiliated. “The unit insulted me a lot. I could have slapped them, but it was not my production, and I feared they would strike again. So, I had to be careful and control my anger,” he added.
What led to ABCL’s downfall?
Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd. (ABCL) was established in 1995 by the superstar to produce films and manage large-scale events. However, the company reportedly expanded too quickly, taking on multiple projects without proper planning or financial strategy.
By 1999, ABCL had collapsed under debt, declaring bankruptcy with dues of nearly $14 million (about Rs 90 crore). In an interview with journalist Vir Sanghvi, Amitabh himself admitted to the crisis, revealing that he was battling 55 legal cases at the time. Creditors would arrive at his residence, making it a period of intense humiliation and financial struggle for the veteran actor.
Highlights:
Tinnu Anand revealed Major Saab was shot under extreme financial strain due to ABCL’s bankruptcy.
Crew members frequently went on strike as payments were delayed.
The ordeal was so painful that Anand vowed never to direct again.