Bollywood's top money-making Directors

Bollywood's top money-making directors

The Hindi film industry has some of the highest paid directors in India. And it's no surprise, because these directors also make some of the biggest hits in Hindi cinema.

Trade analyst and editor of Film Information and The Film Street Journal, Komal Nahta gave us some interesting figures about the top money-making directors in Hindi cinema. Read on: Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra Starting from the bottom of the success ladder, Mehra's flop debut, Aks, faded from memory when his second film, Rang De Basanti, released and became a blockbuster. A film about five youngsters, who kill and get killed for the sake of their friend, was truly inspirational and became a cult classic.

The film made a net profit of Rs 32-34 crores worldwide in theatrical collections.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Bhansali's last two films, Black and Saawariya, did not have too many takers among critics and audiences despite the hype created around the films. In fact, Saawariya boasted of the biggest star launches -- Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor -- and yet, the film couldn't cash in.

Both the films made Rs 32-35 crores worldwide in theatrical collections.

Farhan Akhtar

Farhan's debut film Dil Chahta Hai in 2001 redefined Saif Ali Khan's career, and introduced a fine film director in Hindi cinema.

But Farhan couldn't match Dil Chahta Hai's success in his next two films, Lakshya (2004) and Don (2006). Both the films made Rs 40-44 crores.

Karan Johar

Karan Johar has directed only one film in the last five years, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, starring a stellar cast like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta. And that film is enough to make him a part of this list. KANK made a net profit of Rs 44-46 crores, as it did especially well overseas.

No doubt his next film, My Name Is Khan, starring SRK and Kajol, is worth watching out for.

Kunal Kohli

After his huge disappointment, Mujhse Dosti Karoge, Kunal Kohli got lucky with Hum Tum (2004), giving Saif his first solo hit. He followed it up with Fanaa, and got a casting coup with Aamir Khan and Kajol. The net profit of both Fanaa and Hum Tum is around Rs 60-63 crores, putting Kunal higher on the success ladder.

Up next, is Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. Let's wait and watch how it fares.

Raj Kumar Hirani

Hirani gave Sanjay Dutt's career a new lease of life when he made Munnabhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munna Bhai.

The blockbuster films made a net profit of Rs 67-70 crores but surprise, surprise, Hirani is not at the top of this list yet.

Rakesh Roshan

Rakesh Roshan's last few movies have been blockbusters. And it sure helps to have a superstar living in your home too. After Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Rakesh made Koi... Mil Gaya and Krrish.

The last two films gave the world a superhero, and gave him a net profit of Rs 73-77 crores.

Farah Khan

The only female director to feature on this list, her films, Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om, put her in the top bracket of filmmakers.

Her films made a net profit of Rs 78-83 crores, creating a history in Bollywood, as this is the first time that a female director's film has made so much money. But then again, if all your films star Shah Rukh Khan, they would do well.