Cinema halls lit up this week as Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat stormed into theatres, pulling crowds eager for an old-school love story drenched in passion, pain, and obsession. Directed by Milap Milan Zaveri, the film marked a powerful return of emotionally charged romance to the big screen, something Hindi cinema hasn’t truly indulged in for a while.
With an opening day collection of ₹8.50 crore (India net), the movie has positioned itself as one of the stronger romantic-drama debuts of the season. Early figures from industry trackers reveal a 39.51% Hindi occupancy rate, a sign that audiences were keen to experience Rane and Bajwa’s on-screen chemistry firsthand.
A Promising Start: Numbers Speak Volumes
Day one collections often set the tone for a film’s journey ahead, and for Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, the signs are encouraging. According to data shared by Sacnilk, the movie’s opening day saw a balanced turnout across multiplexes and single screens, especially in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chandigarh.
- Morning Shows: 19.76% occupancy
- Afternoon Shows: 46.34%
- Evening Shows: 47.16%
- Night Shows: 44.76%
The late-afternoon and evening screenings clearly dominated the day, with audiences preferring the emotional rush of this film after working hours. While morning footfall was comparatively muted, the steady climb through the day suggests strong word-of-mouth potential, something essential for romantic dramas to sustain through their opening weekend.
Inside the Story: Love, Madness, and Obsession
At its core, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat dives into the turbulent emotional world of Vikram Aditya Bhosle (Harshvardhan Rane), a man whose love for Adaa Randhawa (Sonam Bajwa) spirals into obsession. The film moves away from modern love tropes, opting instead for a vintage intensity reminiscent of 90s Bollywood, the kind where affection crosses boundaries and passion flirts with danger.
Milap Zaveri, known for his bold narratives and fiery dialogues, crafts a story that’s both visually stylized and emotionally raw. While critics have offered mixed reactions, many have praised the cinematography and background score, which complement the film’s mood perfectly. The chemistry between Rane and Bajwa has also been widely appreciated, injecting a believable tension into every shared frame.
Audience Response: Divided but Engaged
Audience reactions have been varied, some drawn to its emotional excess, others finding it overly dramatic. But one thing remains consistent: the film has sparked conversation.
For younger viewers used to breezy romantic comedies, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat feels refreshingly dramatic, almost theatrical. For older audiences, it carries a nostalgic charm that recalls films like Sahebaan or Bewafa Sanam. This generational bridge might explain its decent pull across both urban multiplexes and tier-2 city theatres.
Social media chatter has also been lively. Many fans have lauded Harshvardhan Rane’s brooding performance, with posts calling him “a perfect fit for a tragic lover.” Sonam Bajwa, on the other hand, has been praised for her emotional restraint, a contrast to Rane’s volatility that elevates the film’s tension.
Critical Reception: One for the Emotion-Lovers
According to ETimes’ review, the film “offers moments worth holding onto” for those who enjoy raw emotion and timeless romance. However, for viewers seeking fresh storytelling or modern realism, it may feel dated.
Critics have pointed out that Zaveri’s direction embraces melodrama unapologetically—leaning heavily on heightened expressions, intense dialogues, and sweeping background music. But perhaps that’s exactly what sets it apart in a cinema landscape crowded with sarcasm and subtlety.
In an era when love stories are often subdued, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat stands tall, proclaiming that heartbreaks can still command full-house attention.
Box Office Outlook: Can the Momentum Hold?
The film’s ₹8.50 crore debut gives it a comfortable head start, but sustaining the numbers over the weekend will be crucial. With no major Hindi releases clashing this week, it enjoys a clear runway to expand its audience.
If the positive evening trends continue, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat could easily touch ₹25–28 crore by the end of its opening weekend. Its strong romantic appeal, coupled with Sonam Bajwa’s growing popularity in North India and Harshvardhan Rane’s cult following, might ensure a steady turnout through the week.
However, the film’s real test will come once word-of-mouth solidifies. Should audiences embrace its throwback charm, it might just emerge as a sleeper hit, much like Aashiqui 2 did a decade ago.
Final Thoughts
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat isn’t just another love story, it’s a reminder that emotion, when portrayed with sincerity, never goes out of fashion. Harshvardhan Rane’s intensity, Sonam Bajwa’s elegance, and Milap Zaveri’s conviction combine to deliver a film that dares to wear its heart on its sleeve.
Yes, it’s dramatic. Yes, it’s over-the-top at times. But that’s also what makes it deeply cinematic. It’s the kind of movie that makes you remember why theatres exist, to feel things bigger than life itself.
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