In a box office story that no one saw coming, the romantic drama Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has delivered a stunning opening day performance, netting an impressive ₹8.50 crore in India. The film, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa, managed to carve out its own space during a crowded Diwali 2025 release window, pulling off one of the most surprising starts of the year.
A Genuine Box Office Surprise
All eyes this Diwali were on the Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna-led horror comedy Thamma, which indeed opened well. However, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat emerged as the dark horse, putting up a formidable fight for screens and audience attention.
According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film showed remarkable strength in tier-2 cities. Its momentum was so strong at one point that a double-digit opening (₹10 crore+) seemed possible. While it eventually settled at ₹8.50 crore, this figure is being viewed as a significant victory for a film without major star power, released amidst fierce competition.
How It Stacks Up: A Ranking of 2025’s Romantic Dramas
The film’s opening has secured its position as one of the most successful romantic dramas of 2025. Here’s how it compares to its peers:
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Saiyaara: ₹20.50 crore (Record-breaking start)
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Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat: ₹8.50 crore
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Dhadak 2: ₹4 crore
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Metro In Dino: ₹3 crore
By convincingly beating the openings of Dhadak 2 and Metro In Dino, the film has proven that a compelling narrative and effective marketing can sometimes trump bigger names and franchises.
The Secret Behind the Surprise Success
The film’s strong opening didn’t happen by accident. Several strategic factors contributed to its success:
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Unique Marketing Blitz: The film’s promotions broke from the conventional mold. In a unique and hands-on campaign, lead actor Harshvardhan Rane took to the streets of Mumbai, personally selling tickets at box offices and putting up promotional stickers and bills. This grassroots-level effort created a genuine connection with potential audiences and generated significant positive buzz.
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Director’s Proven Track Record: The film is written and directed by Milap Zaveri, known for crafting dialogues and narratives that resonate strongly with the mass audience. His understanding of the pulse of the heartland audience likely played a key role in the film’s tier-2 success.
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The Enduring Appeal of Romance: In a year dominated by action and comedy, a straight-up, passionately marketed romantic drama managed to stand out and cater to an audience craving emotion and grand gestures.
While a strong Day 1 is a fantastic achievement, the true test for Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat will be its staying power over the extended Diwali weekend. Positive word-of-mouth will be crucial for the film to maintain this momentum and achieve a healthy first-week total.
The film also features Shaad Randhawa, Sachin Khedekar, and Ananth Narayan Mahadevan in supporting roles. Originally announced as Deewaniyat, the title was expanded to its current form in May 2025, a move that seems to have worked in its favor by adding a more classic, dramatic feel.
This opening sends a clear message to the industry: a well-marketed film with a clear target audience and a genuine connection campaign can create box office magic, even without A-list stars. All eyes are now on how high this “Deewaniyat” can fly.