Hindi
Ek Haseena Thi …..lacks substance
Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha is the second go at launching of Shiv Darshan, son of veteran filmmaker, Suneel Darshan.
The junior Darshan made his debut with Karle Pyaar Karle (2014), a home production directed by Rajesh Pandey. The film did not work and, this time, Darshan takes it upon himself to give the junior another chance.
The theme of the film is not easy to fathom. The character played by Darshan jr was in love with a girl in an earlier birth. His wish not fulfilled, and therefore his soul (atma) is now all over. It turns out that the girl he loved earlier was a total lookalike of the character of Natasha Fernandez who owns a palatial house in Europe. It’s not a coincidence since Fernandez is the earlier one’s granddaughter.
Fernandez has plans to marry her childhood love, played by Upen Patel. But, Patel seems to have different plans altogether.
The film also discusses if the ghosts really exist? The conclusion is they don’t. So what is Darshan’s junior’s claim to being an ‘atma’ all about?
The film is an outcome of poor storyline which shows on the scripting. There is nothing of substance. In this event, despite his past records of successes, Suneel Darshan fails to do justice as the director. The directors’ favourite music director, Nadeem, is roped in to provide the music for this film but there is nothing in the songs that make them hummable.
The cinematography does justice to the beautiful Wales locations where the film was shot.
Despite being his second film, Shiv Darshan shows no improvement. Fernandez can’t act. Upen Patel is not known for histrionics. Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deeewana Tha has nothing going for it.
Producer/ Director: Suneel Darshan.
Cast: Shiv Darshan, Natasha Fernandez and Upen Patel.
Hindi
ZEE5, Applause announce new film Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa
Rajat Kapoor’s dark comedy thriller to stream on ZEE5 from April 10
MUMBAI: ZEE5 and Applause Entertainment have announced their next direct-to-digital collaboration, Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa, a darkly comic whodunnit set to stream from April 10.
Produced in association with Mithya Talkies and written and directed by Rajat Kapoor, the film marks the latest addition to a growing slate of genre-diverse titles from the two partners. Their previous collaborations include dramas, psychological thrillers and dark comedies, with this outing leaning into a layered murder mystery.
The film features an ensemble cast including Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waluscha De Sousa and Saurabh Shukla, among others. The narrative promises a mix of satire, strained relationships and hidden tensions, inviting viewers to look beyond the crime to the dynamics that lead up to it.
ZEE5 business head hindi and chief channel officer Andtv Kaveri Das said, “Our collaboration with Applause Entertainment has been instrumental in building a strong slate with titles such as Bloody Brothers, Mithya and Jab Khuli Kitaab. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa is a natural progression, aligning with our focus on genre-led content that resonates with audiences.”
Applause Entertainment business head movies Sunil Chainani said, “This collaboration with ZEE5 continues to stand out for its diversity of genres and narrative styles. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa adds a sharp, darkly comic whodunnit to that mix, driven by Rajat Kapoor’s distinct voice.”
Sharing his creative approach, Rajat Kapoor said he was drawn to the emotional layers behind the genre. “I was interested not just in the mechanics of a whodunnit, but the emotional violence that precedes physical violence. These are people who appear close, yet carry unspoken tensions that eventually surface.”
The partnership between ZEE5 and Applause continues to build on a shared focus on distinctive storytelling, with each project exploring a different tone and genre.
With its mix of humour, tension and ensemble storytelling, the film aims to offer more than just a mystery. It promises a closer look at the secrets people keep, and the consequences when they finally come to light.
