Bewakoofian

About the film

Bewakoofiyaan (transl. Stupidities) is a 2014 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Nupur Asthana, written by Habib Faisal, and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles, with Rishi Kapoor in a pivotal supporting role. Set against the backdrop of post-recession urban India, the narrative explores the dynamics of love, ambition, and economic instability through the story of Mohit and Mayera, a young couple navigating the challenges of unemployment and disapproving parents.

The film marked Asthana’s first theatrical release and reunited her with screenwriter Faisal after their work on the television series Mahi Way (2010). Principal photography took place in Delhi and Gurgaon, with cinematography by Neha Parti Matiyani. The music was composed by Raghu Dixit, with lyrics by Anvita Dutt.

Plot

Mohit is promoted from Junior Executive in Marketing to Senior Executive. He goes for lunch with his girlfriend, Myra, after the promotion, where he proposes to her. Meanwhile, Myra's father, Vinod Kumar "V.K." Sehgal, a government officer nearing retirement, does not approve of their wedding, believing Mohit would be unable to provide for Myra. V.K. visits Mohit's office and challenges him: if Mohit can pass his test, he may marry Myra. He begins calling Mohit to the club daily to play squash. Soon after, V.K. retires.

Mohit is laid off from his company. V.K. tries to verify this, but Mohit, Myra, and a friend pretend he is still employed. V.K. shares his concerns, and Mohit suggests he find post-retirement work, which V.K. appreciates. Mohit struggles to find a new job, while V.K. also attempts to return to the workforce. Myra disapproves of her father's decision. Despite her objections, V.K. enlists Mohit's secret help in seeking employment. Mohit begins receiving calls from lenders and borrows ₹50,000 from Myra.

Later, when he asks for more money to cover rent, a fight ensues. Mohit sells his car, repays Myra, and the two break up. That same day, V.K. calls both of them to share that he received an interview call and shows them engagement rings. Mohit admits to being unemployed. He vacates his apartment, rents a smaller place, and begins working at a café.

Production

Bewakoofiyaan was officially announced in December 2012 as a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a recession. The film was written by Habib Faisal and directed by Nupur Asthana, known for her work on Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011). Described as a "slice-of-life" narrative, the story follows a young couple navigating love and economic hardship, complicated by the disapproval of the woman’s father.

Casting for the film was confirmed in December 2012, with Ayushmann Khurrana and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles, marking their first on-screen pairing. Rishi Kapoor was cast as the father, playing a pivotal role in the conflict between the couple’s romantic ideals and societal expectations.

Principal photography commenced in February 2013, with shooting locations including Delhi, Gurgaon, and Dubai.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Bewakoofiyaan was composed by Raghu Dixit, with lyrics written by Anvita Dutt, except where otherwise noted. This marked Dixit's second collaboration with director Nupur Asthana after Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011). A bonus track titled "O Heeriye," performed by Ayushmann Khurrana, was included in the soundtrack release.

Reception

Bewakoofiyaan was produced on a total budget of ₹220 million (US$2.6 million), which included ₹80 million (US$950,000) spent on promotions. The film was released theatrically on 14 March 2014.

In India, the film opened to a tepid response. It earned between ₹20–22.5 million (US$240,000–270,000) on its first day. The opening weekend collection stood at ₹67.5 million (US$800,000), showing limited growth after its debut. Box Office India noted that this stagnation was a drawback for a multiplex-focused romantic comedy. Over the course of its first week, the film collected a total of ₹128 million (US$1.5 million), failing to recover its production costs.

Overseas, Bewakoofiyaan had a modest theatrical run. According to Rentrak, it earned US$46,888 from 51 screens in the United States and US$20,850 from 15 screens in Canada. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, it collected £33,620 from 26 screens. In Australia, it grossed A$22,145 from 14 screens, while in New Zealand, it earned NZ$12,558 from a single screen.

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