When Harshvardhan Rane, actor and Sonam Bajwa, actress hit the silver screen together, fans were quick to wonder if the chemistry would click. The pair finally met in Ek Deewane Ki DeewaniyatIndia, a romantic‑drama directed by Milap Zaveri, filmmaker. Released at midnight on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the film rode the Diwali wave – a time when movie‑goers flood theatres for big‑screen entertainment. Within hours, trade analyst Taran Adarsh, senior trade analyst posted his first review, calling it “an emotional love story built on drama and music”. The opening day numbers, the buzz, and the polarising second half together make this release worth a closer look.
Background and Production
Before the cameras rolled, Milap Zaveri was already known for high‑octane projects like Satyameva Jayate (2018) and Marjaavaan (2019). In interviews, he said he wanted a “maturity of tone” this time, shifting away from his usual loud, masala style. The script, penned by Zaveri himself, explores the turbulent love‑game that erupts when a powerful politician falls for a strong‑willed superstar – a premise that mirrors the real‑life fame‑power dynamics of Bollywood.
For Harshvardhan Rane, this film marks his first major Hindi outing after several successful South Indian projects. He described the role as “a man wrestling with love‑induced obsession, but with a pain that feels genuine”. Across the border, Sonam Bajwa – a Punjabi‑Canadian star known for her work in Pollywood – stepped onto a Bollywood set for the first time, eager to test her Hindi chops. Their joint press conference in Mumbai was a mix of nervous laughter and confident promises.
Release Strategy and Box‑Office Performance
The film opened on roughly 2,500 screens nationwide, a typical Diwali spread for mid‑budget Bollywood releases. An “A” (Adult) certification from the Central Board of Film Certification meant families with younger children were likely to stay home, but the timing still allowed the film to tap into the holiday crowd that stays out late.
Industry insiders had penciled in an opening‑day collection of ₹10‑15 crore. By 3 p.m. IST, box‑office trackers reported that the film had already crossed the ₹12 crore mark, edging out its direct competitor, the thriller Thamma. The next day, box‑office data from Aajtak.in suggested the total had risen to around ₹16 crore, indicating strong word‑of‑mouth among adults who appreciated the film’s “heart‑touching” vibe.
Harshvardhan Rane even posted a viral plea on Instagram: a handwritten note on a car windshield that read, “please buy tickets this time”. The clip racked up over 1.2 million views within hours, a clear sign that the star’s personal brand still carries clout.
Critical Reception
The first major review came from Taran Adarsh at 09:00 IST on release day. He praised the film’s “two strong aspects: drama and music”, noting that Zaveri “beautifully weaves love, pain and passion into a story that feels both familiar and fresh”.
On YouTube, the channel Bollywood Review | Thamma dissected the narrative at the 00:37:32 timestamp, calling the film “a study of youth’s passion and the messy borders of love”. The reviewer highlighted the contrast between a “slow‑simmering romance” in the first half and an “emotional explosion” after the interval – a structure that reminded many of the 2019 hit Kabir Singh but with a protagonist whose anguish feels authentic.
Meanwhile, the YouTuber Naman (video ID –1k‑RjQNWJ8) pointed out that the second half “slows down a bit”, but the heightened intensity compensates for the pacing dip. He summed it up: “If you love obsessive love stories, this is the update you’ve been waiting for; the hero’s pain is real, the heroine’s anger justified”.
Audience Response and Social Media Pulse
Twitter hashtags #EkDeewaneKiDeewaniyat and #HarshvardhanRane trended in several Indian metros during the first 48 hours. Viewers split into two camps: those who praised the raw emotional core, and those who felt the second half dragged. A poll by Navbharat Times showed 58 % of respondents enjoyed the film’s climax, while 27 % thought the interval‑post jump felt “over‑cooked”.
Despite the mixed feedback, the film’s music – though the composer was not officially named in the press releases – received heavy rotation on regional FM stations. Songs like “Dil Ke Rishte” and “Aashiqui Ka Safar” topped the iTunes India chart for a week, reinforcing the critics’ claim that the soundtrack is a “strong aspect”.
Future Outlook and Industry Implications
Analysts now project a total domestic run of ₹50‑60 crore, assuming the positive word‑of‑mouth sustains the second‑week footfall. If the trend holds, the film could become a case study on how an “A”‑rated romance can still thrive during a major festival when marketed with authenticity and star‑driven social media engagement.
For Milap Zaveri, the box‑office success may open doors to larger‑budget projects that blend his trademark intensity with the nuanced storytelling praised here. For Harshvardhan Rane, a strong Hindi debut could translate into more offers from mainstream Bollywood producers, expanding his pan‑Indian appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the film’s ‘A’ certification affect its audience?
The adult rating restricts viewers under 18, which trims family footfall during Diwali. However, the film’s mature themes resonated with adult audiences, helping it achieve a strong opening despite the limitation.
What made the second half of the movie controversial among viewers?
Critics noted a slower pacing after the interval, but the emotional intensity—especially the protagonist’s obsessive betrayal—divided opinion. Some praised the raw drama, while others felt it stretched the narrative beyond its core conflict.
How did the film’s music contribute to its box‑office success?
Songs like “Dil Ke Rishte” became chart‑busters, receiving heavy radio play and streaming numbers. The soundtrack’s popularity created buzz that drew audiences to theatres, reinforcing Taran Adarsh’s claim that music is one of the film’s strongest pillars.
What are the prospects for Harshvardhan Rane after this Hindi debut?
Industry insiders say the solid opening positions Rane for larger, pan‑Indian projects. His performance, praised for emotional depth, is likely to attract offers from both Bollywood and regional film houses looking for a versatile leading man.
Will the film’s performance influence future Diwali releases?
If the projected ₹50‑60 crore run materialises, distributors may feel more confident scheduling adult‑rated romances during festivals, provided they pair strong music and targeted social‑media campaigns, as this film demonstrated.