by When Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat released in theatres during Diwali on October 21, 2025, it arrived quietly, without the kind of pre-release frenzy usually associated with festival releases. Yet, in the weeks that followed, the romantic drama steadily built momentum—through word of mouth, emotional audience reactions, and growing box-office traction. What unfolded surprised not just trade observers, but even those closest to the film.
Now, after a successful theatrical run, the film is set to reach an even larger audience with its digital premiere on ZEE5 on December 26. As the film prepares for its second life on streaming, leading lady Sonam Bajwa reflects on the overwhelming response with a mix of gratitude, humility, and introspection.
“I always believed it would be liked,” Sonam says candidly. “But I genuinely did not expect it to be loved this much.”
A Film That Grew Beyond Expectations
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, directed by Milap Zaveri and co-written by Zaveri and Mushtaq Shiekh, stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa in a story that delves into love at its most extreme—raw, obsessive, emotionally volatile, and unsettlingly intense.
While the subject matter was never designed to appeal to everyone, the film found a deeply invested audience that connected strongly with its emotional core. Social media conversations, repeat viewings, and audience testimonials began to pour in, transforming the film into a talking point well beyond opening weekend.
Sonam admits that while she trusted the story’s emotional honesty, the magnitude of its reception caught her off guard.
“Well, I always knew that the film would be liked by a certain section of people because every subject, every kind of genre, and every kind of story has a certain audience,” she explains. “So I knew that some people would definitely like it. But the kind of response we’ve got, the kind of love people have showered on this film, has definitely surpassed my expectations.”
Love, Obsession, and the Thin Line Between the Two
At the heart of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat lies a difficult question: where does love end, and obsession begin?
The film does not offer easy answers. Instead, it immerses viewers into an emotionally charged relationship that spirals into fixation, forcing the audience to confront the darker undercurrents of passion.
Sonam believes this discomfort is precisely why the film resonated.
“Love is often shown as beautiful, poetic, and pure—and it is all of that,” she says. “But there’s also another side, where emotions become overwhelming, where choices are driven by desperation rather than understanding. That’s what this story explores.”
She is quick to clarify, however, that the narrative does not glorify obsession.
“Where does that obsession lead? Where does the person end up with that kind of obsession? What are the repercussions of making certain choices when you’re in love?” she asks. “These are questions the film consciously raises.”
Cinema’s Influence: Responsibility Without Moralising
Given the film’s intense emotional pitch, discussions around its impact—especially on younger audiences—were inevitable. Sonam approaches this subject with nuance, avoiding absolutist positions.
“Yes, I do think that cinema can shape your thoughts,” she says thoughtfully. “But does it shape everyone’s thinking? No. Does it influence some people? Yes. So I do think that it does play a role in sending out a certain message to society or people.”
For Sonam, the key lies in responsibility—not censorship.
“When you show intense emotions, you also need to show where those emotions lead,” she explains. “You can’t just show passion without consequences. Life doesn’t work like that.”
She believes Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat succeeds because it does not romanticise destructive behaviour without acknowledging its fallout.
Viewing Cinema as Art, Not Instruction
Drawing from her own experience as a viewer, Sonam offers an honest perspective on how she consumes cinema.
“For someone like me, when I go to the movies, I purely go there because I view it as entertainment, as art,” she shares. “I don’t go to learn something from it. That doesn’t mean everyone watches films with the same mindset.”
She acknowledges that audience maturity plays a significant role in interpretation.
“Age matters. Understanding matters. That’s why certifications like U/A exist, and they should be respected. You can’t blame a film alone for how every individual perceives it.”
This balanced approach—acknowledging cinema’s influence while respecting audience agency—has resonated with many who appreciated the film’s honesty without overt messaging.
A Performance That Marked a Turning Point
For Sonam Bajwa, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat represents a significant moment in her acting journey. Known for her charm, screen presence, and successful work across Punjabi and Hindi cinema, this role demanded emotional vulnerability and restraint.
“It wasn’t an easy character,” she admits. “There were moments where you’re constantly questioning your character’s choices, and as an actor, you have to justify them emotionally—even if you don’t agree with them morally.”
The audience’s response, she says, reaffirmed her belief in choosing challenging roles.
“When people tell you they felt disturbed, moved, or shaken by your performance—that means they felt something. And that’s the biggest compliment an actor can get.”
Milap Zaveri’s Vision and Emotional Boldness
Director Milap Zaveri is known for his unapologetically intense storytelling, and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat stays true to that creative signature. Sonam credits the director for creating a space where emotional extremes could be explored without compromise.
“Milap has a very clear vision,” she says. “He knows exactly what emotion he wants to evoke. There was never confusion about whether we were making something safe or comfortable.”
She also praises the writing collaboration between Zaveri and Mushtaq Shiekh, noting that the emotional arcs were carefully structured rather than impulsive.
Box Office Success That Built Slowly
Unlike films that open big and fade quickly, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat grew through word of mouth. Audiences who connected with the story recommended it, bringing in viewers who might otherwise have skipped it.
Trade analysts observed that the film’s sustained performance was driven less by marketing hype and more by emotional engagement—an increasingly rare phenomenon.
Sonam believes this organic growth made the success even more meaningful.
“When a film grows because people are talking about it, that feels very real,” she says. “It means the connection wasn’t forced.”
Beyond box-office numbers and critical discussions, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat also benefited from strong audience engagement on social media. Viewers shared emotional reactions, scene breakdowns, and personal interpretations of the characters’ choices, turning the film into a topic of sustained online conversation. Many praised the performances for their rawness, while others debated the film’s portrayal of obsession and emotional dependency. This digital discourse extended the film’s theatrical life, allowing it to grow organically through word-of-mouth rather than aggressive promotion. The ongoing discussions reflected how deeply the narrative resonated with audiences beyond the cinema hall.
The film’s upcoming OTT release further strengthens its potential for longevity and re-evaluation. Streaming platforms often allow films with intense emotional themes to find renewed appreciation, especially among viewers who prefer intimate, uninterrupted viewing experiences. Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is expected to benefit from this shift, as audiences engage with the story at their own pace. The home-viewing environment may also encourage deeper reflection on the film’s central themes—love, obsession, and consequence—sparking thoughtful conversations long after the end credits roll.
The ZEE5 Premiere: A Second Wave of Discovery
With its digital premiere scheduled for December 26 on ZEE5, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is poised for a fresh wave of discovery. Streaming, Sonam believes, allows the film to be consumed differently.
“At home, people watch films more quietly, more personally,” she explains. “They pause, rewind, reflect. I think this story will spark a lot of conversations in living rooms.”
The OTT release is expected to introduce the film to viewers who may have missed it in theatres or were hesitant due to its intense subject matter.
Love Stories Are Evolving—and So Are Audiences
Sonam sees the film’s success as a reflection of changing audience sensibilities.
“People are no longer looking for just perfect love stories,” she observes. “They’re open to flawed characters, uncomfortable emotions, and messy realities.”
She believes Indian audiences are evolving—seeking honesty over escapism, depth over formula.
“Not every film has to make you feel happy,” she says. “Some films make you feel, and that’s enough.”
Looking Ahead: Choosing Stories That Challenge
As she looks ahead, Sonam remains clear about the kind of work she wants to pursue.
“I want to do stories that stay with people,” she says. “Whether they love them or are disturbed by them—what matters is that they remember them.”
The overwhelming response to Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has strengthened her conviction in choosing emotionally demanding narratives.
“It’s taught me to trust the audience more,” she reflects. “People are ready for honesty.”
Conclusion: When Love on Screen Finds Real Connection
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat may have begun as a modestly anticipated romantic drama, but it emerged as something far more powerful—a film that sparked debate, emotion, and genuine audience investment.
For Sonam Bajwa, the journey has been both humbling and affirming.
“I thought it would be liked,” she repeats softly. “I just didn’t know it would be loved this much.”
As the film prepares to reach millions more through its ZEE5 release, one thing is clear: stories that dare to explore love beyond comfort zones still have the power to connect deeply—sometimes in ways even their creators never imagined.
