Writer-director Milap Zaveri, known for pushing boundaries in mainstream cinema, has once again created waves with his latest romantic drama 'Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat'. The film starring Sonam Bajwa and Harshvardhan Rane features an interval point that has become the center of intense discussion across the country.
The Controversial Scene That Shocked Audiences
At the halfway mark of the story, Sonam Bajwa's character takes the stage and makes a stunning declaration that has left viewers both shocked and intrigued. She announces that whoever kills Harshvardhan Rane's character will get to spend a night with her. This explosive twist, which was also highlighted in the film's trailer, has sparked widespread debate among audiences and critics alike.
Reactions to the scene have been divided, ranging from admiration for its boldness to shock at its unconventional nature. The moment represents one of the most daring narrative choices in recent mainstream Hindi cinema, challenging traditional storytelling conventions.
Director's Firm Defense
In an exclusive conversation with Etimes, Milap Zaveri stood firmly by his creative decision. He revealed that the controversial interval point was always intended to be the film's unique selling proposition right from the conception stage.
"Right from day one when Mushtaq Sheikh and I wrote it, the interval point was the turning point of the story," Zaveri explained. "It was the USP of the idea, and I always knew it would generate discussion."
The director expressed confidence that while the scene would shock viewers, it would also be widely accepted. He emphasized that he makes films for entertainment rather than moral instruction, defending the creative choice as integral to the character's empowerment.
Empowerment Through Controversy
Zaveri provided significant insight into the thinking behind the controversial scene, arguing that it actually empowers Sonam Bajwa's character in an unprecedented way.
"In a way, it also empowers Sonam's character," he stated. "Because very rarely in mainstream Hindi cinema do you see a heroine with such a strong role, with such a strong point of view and such a powerful interval point."
The director further justified the character's actions by explaining the underlying power dynamics. "She's using her power, which is her beauty and her fame, to take on somebody who she's not able to otherwise fight," Zaveri elaborated. He referenced the famous saying that "everything is fair in love and war" to contextualize the character's drastic decision.
Zaveri made it clear that the controversial offer wasn't meant to be gratuitous but was deeply embedded in the story's emotional logic and power struggle between the characters.
Box Office Success Amid Controversy
Despite the divided opinions about the interval scene, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has been very well received by audiences. The film has demonstrated impressive commercial performance, collecting Rs 78.86 crore in just 35 days at the box office.
This financial success suggests that while the controversial scene sparked debate, it ultimately contributed to the film's appeal and talking value. The substantial box office collection indicates that Zaveri's gamble on pushing creative boundaries has paid off commercially.
The film's performance proves that audiences are increasingly open to unconventional storytelling and strong female characters who take dramatic actions to drive the narrative forward.
