Hamari Adhuri Kahani

About the film

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. Critics compared elements of the plot to that of The Bridges of Madison County (1995).

Hamari Adhuri Kahani was released on 12 June 2015 and 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 named Hari seeks help from a psychiatrist because of hallucinations involving his wife. His daughter-in-law, Avni, accompanies him to his wife's funeral, where he secretly takes her ashes and leaves a diary for his son, Saanjh.

The narrative then shifts to the past. Vasudha is a single mother waiting for her husband, Hari, who has been missing for five years; she remains loyal to him in accordance with tradition. Vasudha works as a floral arranger in one of Aarav's hotels. During a mock fire drill, she saves Aarav's life, and he offers her a job at his hotel in Dubai, which she initially declines. After the police inform her that Hari has murdered five American journalists and is alleged to be part of a terrorist group, she fears for her son's future and accepts Aarav's offer.

Despite learning about her past, Aarav falls in love with Vasudha. He relates the story of his mother, a cabaret singer who raised him as a single parent and who once fell in love with a man who attempted suicide because of their poverty. Vasudha initially rejects Aarav's advances, citing her loyalty to her missing husband, but after meeting Aarav's mother she comes to accept his love.

Production

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 inspired by 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.

Soundtrack

The music for the film is composed 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.

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".

Key details