"Busted myth that 1st week box office defines future of film": Shekhar Kapur praises Imtiaz Ali's 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'
Mumbai, June 22
Driven by strong word-of-mouth, emotional reactions from audiences, and growing demand at cinemas, Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aunga has continued to expand its footprint, with exhibitors adding more shows in its second week.
The response has also struck a chord with celebrities and filmmakers alike, who have been showering praise on Imtiaz Ali's latest directorial venture.
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur penned a note, praising the film. He said that the film's performance has busted the myth that the first week box office defines the future of a film.
"Thank you Imtiaz Ali. With your film Main Wapaas Aaunga, you busted the myth that the first week box office defines the future of your film. You proved what counts is a great story well told...What counts is respect for your audiences," he wrote on X.
The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari and Vedang Raina in pivotal roles. Produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment along with Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films, the film is currently running in cinemas.
The period drama follows 95-year-old Ishar Singh Grewal, played by Naseeruddin Shah, who suffers a stroke while attempting to travel to Sargodha in present-day Pakistan. As memories of his pre-Partition life begin resurfacing, his grandson Nirvair, portrayed by Diljit Dosanjh, returns from England to uncover long-buried family secrets. The mystery surrounding Ishar's emotional journey forms the heart of the narrative.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, a filmmaker who understands that great cinema grows through word-of-mouth! Imtiaz Ali has always been an artist, not just a commercial director. This film touching on the Partition trauma is so timely. My grandparents had similar stories of leaving their homeland. Kudos to the entire team! ❤️
To be honest, I was skeptical when it opened to average numbers. But after hearing everyone around me raving about it, I went last weekend. What a movie! The way it weaves the Partition story with a modern family mystery is brilliant. Shekhar Kapur's praise is well-deserved. Sometimes the slow burners are the best.
Absolutely agree! Bollywood has become too obsessed with opening weekend numbers. 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' is proof that content is king. The fact that theaters are adding more shows in the second week shows real audience appreciation. Naseeruddin Shah's performance is legendary as always. 👏
As someone who studies film markets, this is a fascinating case study. The Indian audience's emotional connection to Partition stories is powerful. Shekhar Kapur makes a valid point—in today's franchise-driven world, a quiet, thoughtful drama finding its audience is rare. Imtiaz Ali deserves all the appreciation.
Shekhar Kapur's words are so encouraging! I watched it on opening day and was moved to tears. My grandmother lived through Partition and this film captures that longing for a lost home perfectly. Diljit and Naseeruddin Shah's chemistry is incredible. Word-of-mouth
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