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Hamari Adhuri Kahani

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2015 film directed by Mohit Suri

Hamari Adhuri Kahani
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMohit Suri
Written by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyVishnu Rao
Music by
Production
company		Vishesh Films
Distributed byFox Star Studios
Release date
  • 12 June 2015 (2015-06-12)
Running time129 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹35 crore (US$4.2 million)
Box officeest. ₹58 crore (US$6.9 million)

Hamari Adhuri Kahani (transl. Our incomplete story) is a 2015 Indian Hindi-language musical romantic drama film directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mahesh Bhatt under the banners of Vishesh Films and Fox Star Studios. The film stars Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan and Rajkummar Rao in lead roles.

The film is inspired by the real-life love story of Bhatt's parents, Nanabhai Bhatt, Shirin Mohammad Ali, and his stepmother, Hemlata Bhatt.

Released worldwide on 12 June 2015, Hamari Adhuri Kahani garnered mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, with praise for the music and performances of the cast, but criticism for its narrative and pacing. The film emerged as a moderate commercial success at the box-office, grossing over ₹580 million (US$9.04 million) globally against a production budget of ₹350 million (US$5.46 million).

Plot

The film opens with Vasudha stepping off a bus, while an elderly man, Hari, seeks help from a psychiatrist due to hallucinations involving his wife. His daughter-in-law, Avni, accompanies him to his wife’s funeral, where he secretly takes her ashes and leaves behind a diary for his son, Saanjh.

The narrative shifts to the past, where Vasudha is a single mother, waiting for her husband, Hari, who has been missing for five years. She follows tradition by remaining loyal to him. Vasudha works as a floral arranger in one of Aarav's hotels. She saves Aarav during a mock fire drill, and he offers her a job at his hotel in Dubai, which she initially declines. However, after learning from the police that her husband Hari murdered five American journalists and is part of a terrorist group, she fears for her son's future and accepts Aarav’s offer.

Despite knowing about her past, Aarav falls in love with Vasudha. He shares the story of his mother, a cabaret singer who raised him as a single parent and fell in love with a man who tragically attempted suicide due to their impoverished state. Vasudha initially rejects Aarav's advances, stating her loyalty to her missing husband, but later, after meeting Aarav's mother, she accepts his love.

Hari suddenly reappears, and Vasudha tells him about Aarav. Enraged, Hari leaves and is soon arrested for being a wanted criminal. Vasudha pleads with Aarav to help prove Hari's innocence, but when Aarav attempts to bribe the home minister, it is revealed that Hari has confessed to the crime himself. This leaves Vasudha confused, as she interprets Hari's confession as a sacrifice for her and Aarav to be together. Aarav later discovers that Hari's confession was a deliberate act to burden Vasudha with guilt, making her believe that he had sacrificed himself for her love.

Determined to free Vasudha from her guilt, Aarav travels to Bastar, where Hari is accused of the killings, in an attempt to prove his innocence. Aarav learns from Father Dayal that Hari is, in fact, innocent. On his way back to Mumbai, Aarav follows the scent of flowers, reminiscent of his first meeting with Vasudha. Unbeknownst to him, he steps on a landmine in the jungle. Realizing the danger, Aarav smiles before accepting his fate. Vasudha receives news of his death and leaves Hari, who had been searching for her for two years. She confronts him, revealing that she knows the truth about his false sacrifice and declares that she is no longer bound by any tradition. Hari warns her that she will eventually return to him, but he waits for her in vain for twenty-one years.

In the present, Vasudha wishes to be reunited with Aarav in death, at the place where he died. Hari, fulfilling her final wish, scatters her ashes in the forest of Bastar, where Aarav lost his life, symbolically reuniting Aarav and Vasudha after death.

Cast

Production

Development

On 23 October 2013, Vishesh Films and Fox Star Studios extended their partnership by announcing a three-film deal, which included CityLights, Hamari Adhuri Kahani, and Mr. X. It was revealed that Hamari Adhuri Kahani would be directed by Mohit Suri and was initially slated for release on 7 November 2013. However, filming, which was originally scheduled to begin in May–June 2014, was delayed until October 2014 due to Hashmi’s son's illness.

In February 2014, Mahesh Bhatt, the film’s producer, revealed in an interview with Bombay Times that he himself would write the story, which is based on the love story of his parents, Nanabhai Bhatt, Shirin Mohammad Ali, and his stepmother. In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, Suri mentioned that Balan had to lose weight and get in shape for the role. Prior to the film's development, rumors spread that Balan had opted out of the film to take some personal time, and that her character would be replaced by Shraddha Kapoor. However, on 14 March 2014, Bhatt refuted these rumors, confirming that Balan was "still on board".

On 13 June 2014, the final release date of the film was announced as 12 June 2015.

Casting

The lead cast of Hamari Adhuri Kahani was finalized on 23 October 2013, with Vidya Balan and Emraan Hashmi taking on the main roles, marking their third collaboration after The Dirty Picture (2011) and Ghanchakkar (2013). On 12 February 2014, it was confirmed that Rajkummar Rao would join the cast. On 6 October 2014, it was revealed that Rao would play the role of Vidya Balan’s character’s husband, though he clarified that while his role was pivotal, it wasn't extensive in terms of screen time.

On 15 December 2014, reports surfaced that Amala Akkineni would make a cameo appearance in the film, where she would sing and enact the title song. Later, on 26 December 2014, it was announced that Sara Khan would also be joining the cast.

Filming

Initially, the first schedule of Hamari Adhuri Kahani was planned to be extensively shot in Cape Town, South Africa. However, filming began in Kolkata on 2 October 2014. A portion of the film's climax was shot on 3 October 2014, where Vidya Balan and Emraan Hashmi participated in the immersion processions on Kolkata's crowded roads, with the iconic Howrah Bridge in the background. Another part of the climax was filmed on 5 January 2015 inside an old, bardy-style house in Kolkata.

After completing the Kolkata schedule, the crew shifted to Dubai for a 16-day shoot, which had been delayed due to weather conditions. On 20 October 2014, Balan and Hashmi were spotted filming at Dubai International Airport, with further shoots taking place around the city, including locations like Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Heritage Village, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. After completing this portion, the team resumed filming in Cape Town before returning to Dubai for an additional two days, during which scenes were shot in Meena Bazaar and along Dubai Creek.

The final scene in the United Arab Emirates was filmed on 17 November 2014 at Miracle Garden. Director Mohit Suri mentioned that while Dubai is often portrayed for its modern, high-tech buildings, he wanted to capture its softer, romantic side. The film also features Abu Dhabi's Qasr Al Sarb desert resort. After the UAE schedule, the team shot the remaining scenes in Mumbai, wrapping up production in mid-January 2015.

Soundtrack

Hamari Adhuri Kahani
Soundtrack album by Jeet Gannguli, Mithoon, Ami Mishra and Zubeen Garg
Released25 May 2015 (2015-05-25)
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length42:21
LabelSony Music
Jeet Gannguli chronology
Ishqedarriyaan
(2015) 		Hamari Adhuri Kahani
(2015) 		Phir Se...
(2015)
Mithoon chronology
Alone
(2015) 		Hamari Adhuri Kahani
(2015) 		Shab
(2015)
Ami Mishra chronology
Hamari Adhuri Kahani
(2015) 		Half Girlfriend
(2017)
Zubeen Garg chronology
Hamari Adhuri Kahani
(2015) 		Dil Toh Deewana Hai
(2016)

The music for the film is done by Jeet Gannguli, Mithoon, Ami Mishra and Zubeen Garg. The song "Yeh Kaisi Jagah" was recorded at Zubeen's studio Sound & Silence. Zubeen programmed track music and helped to compose the song. Lyrics are penned by Rashmi Virag, Sayeed Quadri, Kunaal Vermaa. "Zaroori Tha" song from the film was originally a soundtrack of singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's album Back 2 Love. The album was named "Best Bollywood Album of June 2015" by Deccan Music.

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Hamari Adhuri Kahani" (Title Track)Rashmi ViragJeet GannguliArijit Singh6:38
2."Humnava"Sayeed QuadriMithoonPapon5:29
3."Yeh Kaisi Jagah"Rashmi ViragJeet Gannguli and Zubeen GargZubeen Garg, Deepali Sathe4:37
4."Hasi"Kunaal VermaaAmi MishraAmi Mishra4:32
5."Hasi" (Female)Kunaal VermaaAmi MishraShreya Ghoshal3:12
6."Hamari Adhuri Kahani" (Encore)Rashmi ViragJeet GannguliJeet Gannguli6:39
7."Zaroori Tha"Imran RazaSahir Ali BaggaRahat Fateh Ali Khan5:42
Total length:42:21

Release

Hamari Adhuri Kahani released worldwide on 12 June 2015.

Reception

Meena Iyer of The Times of India rated Hamari Adhuri Kahani 2.5 out of 5 stars, stating that while the film "lacks soul," she praised the performances of the lead cast and described the music as a "soothing balm".

Awards and nominations

Year Award Ceremony Category Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Result Ref.
2015 Mirchi Music Awards Upcoming Male Vocalist of The Year Ami Mishra – "Hasi" Nominated
Upcoming Music Composer of The Year Ami Mishra – "Hasi (Male)"
Upcoming Lyricist of The Year Kunaal Vermaa – "Hasi (Male)"

References

  1. "HAMARI ADHURI KAHANI (12A)". British Board of Film Classification. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  2. "'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' Box Office Collection: Vidya-Emraan Starrer Makes 11 % Profit in First Week". IB Times. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  3. "Hamari Adhuri Kahani collects Rs 16.49 crore over weekend". The Hindustan Times. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  4. "Hamari Adhuri Kahani Box Office". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  5. "'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' – Movie Review". Mid-Day. No. Mid-Day.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  6. ^ "Another Kahani For Vidya Balan?". Indiatimes. 23 October 2013. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  7. ^ "Hamari Adhuri Kahaani to go on floor in October". Bollywood Hungama. 12 February 2014. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  8. Priya Gupta (20 February 2014). "Mahesh Bhatt to write Mohit Suri's next". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  9. "Actresses and their problem areas". The Times of India. 13 March 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  10. Hiren Kotwani (11 April 2014). "Shraddha Kapoor to replace Vidya Balan in 'Hamari Adhuri Kahani'?". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  11. Vickey Lalwani (14 March 2014). "Vidya takes a break". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  12. Priya Adivarekar (13 June 2014). "Hamari Adhuri Kahaani to release in June 2015". The Indian Express. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  13. "Rajkummar Rao to be Vidya's on-screen husband in Hamari Adhuri Kahani". India Today. 6 October 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  14. Ankur Pathak (8 October 2014). "Rajkummar Rao to make special appearance in 'Humari Adhuri Kahani'". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  15. Sashidhar AS (15 December 2014). "Amala in Emraan Hashmi & Vidya Balan's next". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  16. Sashidhar AS (26 December 2014). "Vidya bonds with Sara on the sets of Hamari Adhuri Kahani". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  17. "Vidya, Emraan to shoot for Humari Adhuri Kahaani in Cape Town". India Today. 28 September 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  18. ^ Roshmila Bhattacharya (30 September 2014). "Vidya Balan to flag off Hamari Adhuri Kahaani in Kolkata". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  19. "On Ashtami, Vidya Balan to shoot for Humari Adhuri Kahaani in Kolkata on Ashtami". Hindustan Times. 30 September 2014. Archived from the original on 26 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  20. "Vidya Balan excited to shoot in Kolkata while in Mumbai". The Times of India. 5 January 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  21. ^ Arti Dani (17 November 2014). "Vidya Balan's film to show UAE's romantic side". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  22. Chris Newbould (21 October 2014). "Hamaari Adhoori Kahaani shooting in Dubai". The National. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  23. Chris Newbould (18 November 2014). "Cast of Hamari Adhuri Kahani returns to film in Dubai". The National. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  24. "Vidya Balan, Emraan Hashmi in Dubai for 'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' shoot". Zee News. 17 November 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  25. "Vidya Balan, Emraan Hashmi begin shooting for 'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' in Dubai". Deccan Chronicle. 21 October 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  26. Parag Maniar (19 January 2015). "Vidya Balan to take a break". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  27. Bryan Durham (20 August 2014). "Latest musical sensation Ankit Tiwari on what matters most to him". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  28. Indo-Asian News Service (20 January 2014). "Mukesh Bhatt is a godfather for composer Jeet Gannguli". India.com. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  29. Best Bollywood Hindi Songs and Albums June 2015 Deccan Music – 3 July 2015
  30. "Mohit brings back Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's 'Zaroori tha' for 'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' – The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 22 May 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  31. "Hamari Adhuri Kahani – Zaroori Tha | Song Video | Emraan | Vidya". YouTube. 26 May 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  32. "'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' fails to create magic at Box Office". Zee News. 21 June 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  33. "Hamari Adhuri Kahani (2015)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  34. "HAMARI ADHURI KAHANI LACKS SOUL". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  35. "MMA Mirchi Music Awards". MMAMirchiMusicAwards. Retrieved 25 March 2018.

External links

Films directed by Mohit Suri
Films and television series by Mahesh Bhatt
Director
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Television
Films produced by Vishesh Films
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