Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa’s romantic drama Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat hit theatres on Tuesday, marking a strong start at the box office. Despite facing stiff competition from the ongoing juggernaut Thamma, the film managed to register a respectable Rs 8.5 crore nett opening in India.
The performance is being viewed as a promising one, especially given the crowded release calendar and the massive hold of Thamma, which continues to dominate collections with Rs 24.5 crore on the same day.
A Romantic Drama That Found Its Audience
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, directed by Rahul Shukla, blends classic romance with contemporary emotions. The story revolves around Aryan (Harshvardhan Rane), a passionate musician haunted by his past, and Meera (Sonam Bajwa), a free-spirited artist who helps him rediscover love and life.
While the film doesn’t reinvent the romantic genre, audiences seem to have connected with its sincerity and emotional core. Social media reactions from early viewers were largely positive, praising the chemistry between Rane and Bajwa, the film’s music, and its soulful cinematography.
Box Office Numbers: A Steady Start Amidst Competition
According to early estimates, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat grossed Rs 8.5 crore nett across India on its opening day. This is considered a decent start for a mid-budget romantic film, especially given that it released alongside Thamma, a mass entertainer still drawing huge crowds in its second week.
Trade analysts note that the film performed particularly well in Delhi, Chandigarh, and Punjab, where Sonam Bajwa’s popularity is a major draw. Urban multiplexes in Mumbai and Bengaluru also showed encouraging occupancy, while tier-2 cities reported moderate footfall that picked up during evening shows.
The advance bookings were modest, but strong walk-ins — driven by word of mouth — helped push collections above initial expectations.
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Trade Experts Weigh In
Box office expert Taran Adarsh commented that the film’s opening “reflects the audience’s ongoing appetite for romantic dramas when supported by good music and strong performances.” He added that the film could see better growth over the weekend if positive reviews and word-of-mouth momentum continue.
Film trade tracker Sumit Kadel echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “For a film released opposite a blockbuster like Thamma, pulling in Rs 8.5 crore on Day 1 is commendable. It shows there’s space for every genre when the content connects.”
Music and Emotional Connect Boost Word of Mouth
One of the film’s strongest assets has been its music. Tracks like “Tere Bin Main Kahan” and “Dil Ka Afsana” have already climbed music charts and are trending on social media. The emotional intensity of the songs — paired with Rane’s intense performance — has found favor with younger audiences.
Several fans took to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to praise Harshvardhan Rane’s portrayal of a heartbroken lover and Sonam Bajwa’s understated elegance. “Harshvardhan brings a raw, emotional energy that reminds me of early Shahid Kapoor,” one fan wrote online.
The film’s dialogues and emotional scenes, especially the climactic sequence, are also being widely discussed.
The Thamma Factor
While Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat opened well, it faced a major challenge in the form of Thamma — a film that has emerged as a box office behemoth. Thamma continues to draw in massive crowds nationwide, earning over Rs 24.5 crore on the same day.
Despite this, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has managed to carve out its own space. The romantic drama appeals to a completely different audience segment — those who prefer emotional storytelling over action-packed entertainment.
Trade experts believe that if Thamma slightly slows down in its third week, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat could see stronger weekday holds and emerge as a steady runner.
Critics’ Verdict: Mixed to Positive
Critics have given the film a mixed-to-positive response. Most reviews highlight the film’s old-school romantic flavor, scenic visuals, and heartfelt performances. However, some have pointed out pacing issues and a predictable plotline in the second half.
Film critic Komal Nahta wrote, “It’s a film that thrives on emotion and nostalgia. While the story isn’t groundbreaking, the sincerity of performances keeps you invested.”
Another review by Bollywood Hungama mentioned, “The chemistry between Harshvardhan and Sonam is electric. Despite its flaws, the film connects at an emotional level.”
Weekend Outlook: Growth Expected
Given its positive audience response and limited competition among romantic dramas, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is likely to see a solid weekend. Trade projections suggest a 10–15% growth on Wednesday and Thursday, with collections possibly crossing Rs 30 crore nett by the end of the week if momentum continues.
The film also benefits from the upcoming festive weekend, which typically drives family audiences to theatres. The producers are hopeful that the combination of strong word-of-mouth and repeat value will ensure steady collections over the next few days.
OTT and Satellite Rights Already in Demand
Interestingly, before its theatrical release, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat had already generated buzz in the OTT market. Streaming giants are reportedly in talks for digital rights, with offers ranging between Rs 35–40 crore.
The music rights have also been sold at a premium, given the chartbuster status of the soundtrack. These deals ensure that the film will comfortably recover its production cost, estimated at around Rs 45 crore.
What’s Next for the Lead Pair
For Harshvardhan Rane, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat marks an important return to mainstream cinema after a series of digital releases. The actor, known for films like Sanam Teri Kasam and Taish, has received widespread praise for his emotional range and screen presence.
Sonam Bajwa, on the other hand, continues to expand her footprint in Bollywood while maintaining her strong base in Punjabi cinema. Her performance in the film has been described as “graceful and heartfelt,” further solidifying her crossover appeal.
Industry insiders say the on-screen chemistry between Rane and Bajwa could pave the way for another collaboration in the near future.
Conclusion: A Steady Start with Promise
In a season dominated by big-budget spectacles, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat stands out for its simplicity and emotional depth. Its day-one box office collection of Rs 8.5 crore reflects genuine audience interest, despite the overshadowing presence of Thamma.
If the film sustains its momentum through the weekend, it could emerge as one of the surprise hits of the season — proof that good storytelling and heartfelt performances can still draw crowds in an era of action-heavy blockbusters.
For now, the film’s team and fans have every reason to celebrate a strong opening, as the romance between Aryan and Meera continues to resonate across theatres nationwide.
