When Hera Pheri was released in Hindi in 2000, Priyadarshan’s career in Bollywood was, for once, altered. The 1989 Malayalam film Ramjirao Speaking was adapted into a hit movie called Hera Pheri, which did very well at the box office. This film, which starred Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Paresh Rawal & Tabu is now regarded as a turning point in the history of Hindi cinema. The Priyadarshan-Akshay Kumar combination was also born out of this movie and produced multiple hits in the years after. Paresh Rawal followed Hera Pheri as a regular appearance in Priyadarshan movies. Several Hindi films, including Kyon Ki, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar, and Hungama, came after this one.
Priyadarshan directed the critically acclaimed Malayalam-Tamil bilingual Raakilipattu (Snegithiye in Tamil) in 2000, which starred Tabu and Jyothika. The story was adapted from the Marathi film Bindhaast, an experimental film featuring only female characters. The Malayalam version was supposed to be released simultaneously with the Tamil version, but the Malayalam version was delayed for reasons that are still unclear. Friendship, the Malayalam and Hindi-dubbed version, was released in 2007, barely seven years later.
Kilichundan Mampazham and Vettam, his other two Malayalam films, had mediocre box office results when released in 2003 and 2004, respectively, prompting him to focus more on Bollywood. Nonetheless, Priyadarshan carried on his prosperous streak in Hindi at the same time with Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhag, Malamaal Weekly, Dhol, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, and Mere Baap Pehle Aap.
However, the films that followed, including Tezz, Aakrosh, Khatta Meeta, Billu, and Bumm Bumm Bole, fell short of the hype. Rangrezz was a box office failure in 2013. Meanwhile, Priyadarshan’s unconventional film Kanchivaram, which focused on the weavers of Kanchipuram, stunned everyone. The main character, Prakash Raj, was the 2008 National Film Award winner for Best Actor. Kanchivaram also took home awards from several film festivals.
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