A 2018 Imtiaz Ali film, “Laila Majnu”, was re-released in the theatres on 9th August 2024. Back when it was released in 2018, it did not find much of a response. “Laila Majnu”, starring Avinash Tiwary and Tripti Dimri,certainly had a difficult start in 2018. Since then, the movie was available on OTT platform and it attracted a devoted fan base. Thanks to the deviated fans, the re-release happened all because of them.
“Laila Majnu”, is an old traditional Persian tale set in modern-day Kashmir. When it was released into theatres back in 2018, it did not have the commercial success that the makers had hoped for. Despite having a good script, great actors and it was by other big-budget movies.
Several factors contributed to the underwhelming response of the film. One of the main reasons is not casting a familiar face. And since Tripti and Avinash did not have a devoted fandom prior so apart from delivering their acting skills they could not do anything. And since “Laila majnu” was available on OTT platforms, it caught the attention of the new audience.The viewers and critics understood the artistic and emotional depth of the movie.The impactful performance of Tripti and Avinash touched the hearts of the viewers.
Moreover, this is not the first film of Imtiaz Ali that has been re-released. “Rockstar”, “Jab We Met” and now “Laila Majnu”. “Laila Majnu” has become a cult favourite. It determines the evolving taste of the viewers. The evolution of the viewers’ likes-dislikes will certainly depend more on the script, acting,direction rather than flamboyant, big-budget movies with a zero to none storyline. This evolution will encourage the makers to try different genres.
