In a cinematic world overflowing with tales of love and obsession, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat (EDKD) dares to revisit the fiery passion of 90s romance dramas. Director Milap Milan Zaveri, co-writing with Mushtaq Shiekh, serves up a film steeped in nostalgia: lavish emotions, grand dialogues, and stirring music but one that occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own clichés.
Story & direction
The film follows Vikram Aditya Bhosle (Harshvardhan Rane), a fierce young politician eyeing the Chief Minister’s seat. His life spirals into chaos when he encounters Adaa Randhawa (Sonam Bajwa), a reigning film superstar. What begins as a spark of infatuation soon transforms into an The film follows Vikram Aditya Bhosle (Harshvardhan Rane), a fierce young politician eyeing the Chief Minister’s seat. His life spirals into chaos when he encounters Adaa Randhawa (Sonam Bajwa), a reigning film superstar. What begins as a spark of infatuation soon transforms into an overpowering obsession – Aditya’s relentless desire to make Adaa his, “by hook or by crook,” becomes the story’s driving force.
Zaveri paints the first act with a nostalgic brush-vibrant Mumbai backdrops, sweeping camera movements, and a distinct 90s aura. However, after an engaging start, the narrative begins to drag, weighed down by predictability and outdated romantic tropes. The film regains tempo around the interval, particularly during Adaa’s public rally scene, though her sudden, dramatic bet with the nation feels more theatrical than organic. Still, the director deserves applause for evoking the emotional sincerity reminiscent of old-school Bollywood, even if the storytelling sometimes borders on excessive melodrama.
Performances
If EDKD works at all, it’s because of its leads.
Harshvardhan Rane is riveting as Aditya, his smouldering presence, expressive eyes, and raw vulnerability breathe life into a character torn between love and lunacy. There are echoes of his Sanam Teri Kasam persona, yet he infuses Aditya with enough conviction to keep you invested.
Sonam Bajwa, as Adaa, is effortlessly graceful. She plays the part of a glamorous yet strong-willed woman with striking poise, often communicating more through glances than dialogue. Together, Rane and Bajwa share electric chemistry, intense, tempestuous, and occasionally tender, that anchors the film through its weaker stretches.
Among the supporting cast, Shaad Randhawa delivers a solid turn as Aditya’s loyal confidant, while Sachin Khedekar starts promisingly as Aditya’s father before being pushed to the periphery. The supporting characters largely remain underdeveloped, a missed opportunity that could have added emotional depth.
Dialogues
Zaveri’s signature punchy dialogues are sprinkled throughout the film, lines like “Main woh Ravana hoon jo Sita ko khud ghar chhod ke aayega.” While they aim for gravitas, they often feel overwrought rather than impactful. The film clearly strives to revive the intensity of vintage love sagas, but its dialogue sometimes veers into melodramatic territory rather than memorable poetry.
Music
The soundtrack, however, is EDKD’s beating heart. Vishal Mishra, along with Kaushik-Guddu and Kunaal Vermaa, crafts a deeply melodic score that carries the emotional burden of the story. The title track “Deewaniyat” lingers long after the credits roll, while Sonam’s glittering dance number “Dil Dil Dil” injects glamour and verve into the proceedings. The background score beautifully complements the heightened drama, echoing the passionate tone of 90s Bollywood.
Verdict
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is a throwback to the era of love stories where logic took a backseat and emotion ruled supreme. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it pays affectionate tribute to a style of filmmaking we don’t see much anymore.
For those who relish intense, old-fashioned romance drenched in passion, music, and nostalgia, EDKD offers flashes of magic. But for audiences seeking freshness or subtlety, this remains a one-time watch, a film that wears its heart on its sleeve, even when that heart beats a little too loudly.
Ratings: 2.5/5⭐
