Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Review and Box Office Clash
Harshvardhan Rane has built a reputation for playing intense lovers, and his latest film Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat doesn’t stray from that path. Starring opposite Sonam Bajwa, the movie attempts to recreate the old-school charm of love stories wrapped in tragedy and obsession. But while the chemistry between the leads flickers bright, the timing of its release has thrown it directly into competition with Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thamma, which is already dominating advance bookings.
Within the first hour, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat sets the stage for a love story that feels larger than life yet deeply human. Rane’s character, a brooding poet trapped between love and loss, mirrors the actor’s own image of intensity that fans associate him with. Sonam Bajwa, on the other hand, brings grace and vulnerability, lighting up the screen with her quiet presence.
A Familiar Story Told With Passion
Directed by debutant filmmaker Samar Iqbal, the movie follows two lovers who cross paths under unlikely circumstances. The first act pulls viewers in with beautifully shot frames, rich colors, and soulful music that reminds audiences of the era when romance ruled Bollywood. The background score by Arko adds layers of melancholy, making the emotions hit harder.
However, as the story unfolds, the screenplay slips into predictable territory. The dialogues, though poetic, sometimes stretch the limits of believability. Yet, there’s something oddly comforting about its simplicity. It doesn’t try too hard to impress — it just wants to make you feel, and for a brief while, it succeeds.
A film critic from Koimoi described it perfectly: “It’s a love story drenched in nostalgia, made for those who still believe in handwritten letters and unspoken emotions.”
Performances That Keep It Alive
Harshvardhan Rane carries the film on his shoulders. His eyes do most of the talking, and even when the script stumbles, his sincerity holds the audience’s attention. Sonam Bajwa complements him beautifully, proving once again that she deserves more substantial roles in mainstream Hindi cinema.
The supporting cast, including Rahul Dev in a restrained role, adds credibility to the story. The chemistry between the leads is palpable but not loud. It’s the kind that makes you root for them, even when you know how the story might end.
Yet, despite the solid performances, the film struggles to maintain its momentum after the midpoint. The emotional highs begin to feel repetitive, and some scenes could have used tighter editing. By the final act, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat turns into a slow burn that relies heavily on its music and visuals to stay afloat.
Audience Reaction: Mixed But Curious
Social media reactions after early screenings paint a mixed picture. Some viewers praised Rane’s intensity, while others felt the film was “too heavy” for festive season viewing. One fan tweeted, “Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa look stunning together. The film has heart, even if it’s slow in parts.”
Another user wrote, “After seeing Ayushmann’s Thamma, this one feels old-fashioned but heartfelt. It’s not bad, just belongs to another era.”
Still, there’s curiosity around how the film performs in smaller towns, where emotional dramas often find stronger resonance. Rane’s fanbase in Tier-2 cities could give it a small but loyal audience base.
Box Office Reality Check
On the business front, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat faces a tough battle. Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thamma has taken a significant lead in advance bookings, especially in metros. According to reports by The Telegraph India, Thamma sold nearly triple the tickets compared to Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat before release day.
Trade experts predict a modest opening for Rane’s film, around ₹2–3 crore on day one, while Thamma could comfortably start above ₹8 crore. The contrasting tones of the two films also play a role: while Thamma blends humor and emotion, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is more poetic and melancholic — a riskier choice in today’s fast-scroll era.
Film analyst Mehul Sinha commented, “Rane’s film may not break records, but it could have a long shelf life on OTT if marketed right. It’s the kind of story that connects deeper when watched at home.”
Future Outlook: Can Word of Mouth Save It?
The next few days will be crucial. If positive word of mouth picks up, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat might see a weekend boost. The film’s romantic appeal and its music could help it build slow momentum, especially among audiences who prefer emotional, visually rich dramas.
For Harshvardhan Rane, this film marks another addition to his growing list of heartfelt performances. Whether it becomes a box-office hit or not, it reinforces his brand as an actor who wears emotions on his sleeve.
Sonam Bajwa’s performance, too, could attract attention from Hindi filmmakers looking for fresh, expressive faces.
In the end, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat might not redefine romance, but it reminds audiences that love stories still have the power to move us — even in a world full of chaos and competition.
Final Verdict:
A visually beautiful, emotionally rich but uneven love story that shines in moments and falters in others. Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa’s chemistry makes it worth a watch, even as Thamma continues to steal the spotlight at the box office.