Ali Abbas Zafar once was a golden boy, thanks to blockbusters like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, action lovers' favourite.
So when he teamed up with Akshay Kumar for Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, expectations were sky high.
Akshay fans thought if anyone could give them the kind of action they wanted, it was Ali Abbas Zafar.
Legal Fight: Kareena & Kiara to Jyothika & Sonakshi
The hype was real and fans were ready for a cinematic storm. But reality had other plans.
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan was a massive disappointment, both critically and commercially.
Strange Controversy Around Tourist Family on OTT
Akshay fans who had put their faith in Zafar were let down and even trolled him online, blaming him for breaking their dreams.
The frustration was so intense that some fans joked they'd "kill" Zafar for the heartbreak he caused.
The anger still lingers and it's clear he won't get back their trust easily. Now he's back as a producer and co-writer for the OTT film Detective Sherdil, starring Diljit Dosanjh and directed by debutant Ravi Chhabriya.
The film, a comedy-mystery releasing on ZEE5 on June 20, promises quirky humour and a fresh take on detective stories.
While Akshay fans are still venting in the comments, the rest of the audience is wondering: will Zafar redeem himself with this one or will the trolls have the last laugh?
Either way, all eyes are on Detective Sherdil-and this time the warnings are out.