Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali
Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ sees strong box-office growth on first Sunday
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s latest film Main Vaapas Aaunga recorded a strong jump in earnings on its first Sunday, taking its total domestic box-office collection to Rs 5.50 crore within three days of release.
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film collected Rs 2.50 crore on Sunday, showing significant growth compared to its opening-day earnings.
The partition-era drama earned Rs 1.15 crore on Friday and Rs 1.85 crore on Saturday before witnessing a sharp rise in collections on Sunday.
The film's overall theatre occupancy on Sunday stood at 29.65%, with afternoon shows attracting the highest audience turnout at 35.23%.
Starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari, Main Vaapas Aaunga combines a timeless love story with the emotional trauma of displacement during the partition, exploring themes of loss, identity and belonging.
The film has also received praise from several prominent filmmakers.
Zoya Akhtar congratulated the cast and crew on social media, describing it as a “beautiful film.”
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap also praised the project and extended congratulations to editor Aarti Bajaj.
Meanwhile, director Anubhav Sinha commended Ali’s storytelling, saying the film reflects a strong sense of conviction and artistic belief.
The movie marks the second collaboration between Imtiaz Ali and Diljit Dosanjh following their 2024 Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila.
It also reunites Ali with acclaimed composer A. R. Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil, the creative team behind popular soundtracks from films such as Rockstar, Tamasha, Highway and Amar Singh Chamkila.
Through its portrayal of partition and a deeply emotional love story, Main Vaapas Aaunga seeks to capture the pain, conflict and memories that have affected generations across the Indian subcontinent.
With inputs from NDTV
5 days ago
Gen Z feels lonelier despite easier relationships, says Imtiaz Ali
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali believes that while young people today can form relationships more easily than previous generations, many are struggling with a growing sense of loneliness and a search for deeper emotional connections.
Speaking to NDTV India during promotions for his upcoming romantic drama Main Vaapas Aaunga, Ali said modern relationships often begin quickly but become difficult to sustain.
"The tragedy with this generation is that they reach their destination very quickly," he said, explaining that many young people expect relationships to be effortless once they find a partner. However, he noted that challenges often emerge after that point.
According to Ali, today's youth are lonelier than earlier generations and are increasingly looking for meaning and stronger emotional bonds in their lives.
He said his new film explores this longing for lasting love and stability, adding that many young people admire the kind of romance associated with earlier generations.
Actor Vedang Raina, who stars in the film, agreed with the filmmaker's observations. He said he personally desires the type of love portrayed in the movie and believes many people of his generation feel the same way.
Raina noted that social media and dating apps have changed the way relationships develop, but many young people still dream of old-fashioned romance, including handwritten love letters and subtle expressions of affection.
He said there is a growing nostalgia among young people for deeper, more meaningful relationships, despite living in a highly connected digital world.
Directed by Ali, ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ also stars Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari and Naseeruddin Shah. The romantic drama is scheduled to be released in cinemas on June 12, 2026.
6 days ago