Ramanand Sagar, originally known as Chandramouli Chopra, is celebrated for his iconic television series Ramayan, but he also made significant contributions to Bollywood's film industry. In 1968, he directed Ankhen, India's first big-budget spy thriller, which starred Dharmendra and Mala Sinha. The film, inspired by the James Bond franchise, was groundbreaking for its time, featuring a complex plot involving espionage and international settings. Released during a period of heightened tension with China, Ankhen grossed an impressive ₹6 crores (approximately $720,000 USD) at the box office, achieving diamond jubilee status by running for over 75 weeks. Although Sagar went on to create many successful films, Ankhen remains a pivotal work that established the template for future spy thrillers in Indian cinema. Despite its historical significance, Ankhen is often overshadowed by Sagar's later work in television, particularly Ramayan, which is still regarded as a gold standard in mythological storytelling.