Avinash Tiwary is witnessing an extraordinary occurrence in his acting career that many actors only dream of—the re-release of his debut film, ‘Laila Majnu.’ Originally released in 2018, the film did not fare well at the box office. However, in a twist of fate, it has now gained a new lease on life, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences. Directed by Sajid Ali and also starring Triptii Dimri, the film’s recent re-release has sparked a phenomenal response, filling theaters to capacity.
“In 2018, Sajid Ali [director] told me that there were only seven people in a theater for ‘Laila Majnu.’ Fast forward to today, and we are seeing housefull boards,” Tiwary said, his face glowing with pride.
The love story did not gain much traction upon its initial release, struggling at the box office and being overshadowed by other films at the time. The harsh reality of its failure contrasted starkly with its sudden resurrection. Thanks to the growing popularity of streaming platforms, ‘Laila Majnu’ found a second life on OTT and YouTube. These platforms kept the film afloat and gradually amassed a loyal viewership base who pushed for its theatrical re-release.
“The narrative that people don’t go to cinemas anymore was debunked when audiences turned out in significant numbers for ‘Laila Majnu.’ The audience’s love and demand have led to this magical re-release,” Tiwary remarked. Impressively, the re-release’s box office collection surpassed the original release’s earnings in just four days.
Tiwary sees this as evidence that good art is timeless. “We should inspire people to look at art for longevity, and not treat it merely as a trade commodity. Today, the industry often tries to lure and manipulate audiences, but if we value their love, honesty is key,” he said earnestly.
Tiwary’s belief in creating long-lasting art over quick, commercial hits is shaping his future projects. He is preparing for two upcoming releases in the forthcoming months. Firstly, there’s ‘The Mehta Boys,’ Boman Irani’s directorial debut scripted by Alexander Dinelaris Jr.
., who won an Oscar for Best Screenplay for ‘Birdman’ (2014). The film, which will be premiering at a significant film festival, delves into a father-son relationship, a setting ripe for emotional depth.
His second project, ‘Sikandar Ka Muqaddar,’ is an heist thriller, directed by Neeraj Pandey, with whom Tiwary had previously worked in ‘Khakee: The Bihar Chapter’ (2022). Notably, this will be Pandey’s first directorial venture for an OTT platform.
Fans have also been vocal about their desire to see Tiwary in another romantic film, a demand he is acutely aware of. “I’d love to do more romantic movies, but they must possess something unique. I want to avoid cliched, formulaic romantic films,” he shared.
Reprising the momentous transition of ‘Laila Majnu’ from a box-office failure to a crowd-puller, Tiwary remains philosophical. He recalls the mixed emotions he experienced during the first release, juxtaposed with the overwhelming approval he feels today. The film’s second chance is a testament to his conviction that authenticity and emotional honesty in storytelling resonate deeply with audiences.
The resurgence of ‘Laila Majnu’ amidst a sea of contemporary releases serves as an optimistic reminder to creators and audiences alike. It underscores the idea that art, in its truest form, should be crafted to endure, leaving a lasting emotional impact rather than serving solely commercial interests.
Tiwary further emphasized that industry professionals should value the emotional bond they share with audiences. “Instead of manipulating viewers for short-term gains, an honest and heartfelt story will always find its audience,” he insisted.
The actor’s journey has proven that sometimes, you get a second chance to make a first impression, and when that opportunity comes, it is nothing short of magical. With his evolving choices, he continues to strive for projects that balance artistic integrity and audience appeal, embodying the principle that true art is, indeed, timeless. Tiwary’s upcoming films promise to explore diverse narratives, further establishing his versatility and commitment to authentic storytelling.
As he stands at this juncture, juggling multiple projects and a renewed appreciation from audiences, Tiwary’s faith in the transformative power of honest cinema seems justified. The re-release of ‘Laila Majnu’ has not only revived a film but has also reinvigorated his career, proving that genuine storytelling never goes out of style.
