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* [http://www.movielike.in/2014/02/highway-2014-full-hindi-movie-watch-online-dvdscr.html Highway (2014) Full Hindi Movie Watch Online]


{{Imtiaz Ali films}}
{{Imtiaz Ali films}}

Revision as of 15:22, 22 February 2014

Highway
Theatrical release poster
Directed byImtiaz Ali
Written byImtiaz Ali
Produced bySajid Nadiadwala
Imtiaz Ali
Starring
CinematographyAnil Mehta
Edited byAarti Bajaj
Music byA. R. Rahman
Production
companies
Distributed byUTV Motion Pictures[1]
Release dates
  • 13 February 2014 (2014-02-13) (Berlin)
  • 20 February 2014 (2014-02-20) (UAE)
  • 21 February 2014 (2014-02-21) (Worldwide)
Running time
133 minutes[2]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Highway is a 2014 Bollywood drama film written and directed by Imtiaz Ali and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. Imtiaz Ali has made his debut as a producer through his banner Window Seat Films. The film stars Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles. Released worldwide on 21 February 2014, [3]the film was screened in the Panorama section of the 2014 Berlin International Film Festival.[4]The film outlines the story of a young woman who is kidnapped right before her wedding and held for ransom wherein she begins to develop a strange bond with her kidnapper. The film is based on Stockholm syndrome.


Plot

Story begins on the eve of the wedding of Veera Tripathi (Alia Bhatt), daughter of a rich business tycoon. She is on the highway at night with her fiancé when she gets abducted. The gang who kidnaps her panics when they find out about her father who has links in the government. However, Mahabir Bhati (Randeep Hooda), her abductor, is adamant, and is willing to do whatever it takes to see this through. They are continuously on move into different cities, to avoid being tracked by police. At one point, Veera tries to flee, but fails. As the days go by Veera finds peace in her bondage to the point that she confides in him of her troubled childhood. Fear of abduction is taken over by a sense of freedom.

At one point while crossing a check post police forcefully search the truck, but Veera, surprisingly even to herself, hides. Veera confesses to Mahabir that she loves the journey and doesn't want to go back to her life. Mahabir couldn't help but care for Veera and his anger fades away, though slowly, he decides to let her go. Veera refuses and persist on staying with Mahabir. They both take shelter on a hilltop house. Next morning a sudden shootout starts, as police has tracked them down. Mahabir is shot dead on the spot, while shocked Veera is sent back to her parents. Disturbed by the incident Veera tells her family the truth about abusing by her uncle and her desire of not living with them anymore. Movie ends with Veera shown working and living on a hill station on her own, with memories of days she spent with Mahabir.

Cast

  • Randeep Hooda as Mahabir Bhati
  • Alia Bhatt as Veera Tripathi
  • Saharsh Kumar Shukla as Goru
  • Pradeep Nagar as Tonk
  • Durgesh Kumar as Aadoo
  • Arjun Malhotra as Vinay

Production

Development

In an interview with The Telegraph, director Imtiaz Ali stated, "Highway has been a story that has stayed with me for 15 years. There was something in it that didn't die. Usually you lose interest in a story beyond a certain point. But with Highway, there was something very subtle, yet something very influential". On the story he added, "Some years ago, I made a half-hour episode for a TV series (1999 for Zee TV's Rishtey starring Aditya Srivastava and Kartika Rane) and that's where I first got a hint for this story. And over time, it changed form and genres until I just gave up. And then it all settled down to this journey of two characters. As for the central female lead, I thought I would cast someone with some experience of life, someone who had probably been through some relationships.[5] While penning the script he stated he had to change many scenes of the film because he felt they were becoming too similar to his previous film, Jab We Met. He claimed the film to be his first digital film.[6] In the April 2013 interview with the same, he said the film is primarily the story of two characters from very different backgrounds— played by Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt—who take the road trip across six states in a truck.[7] Further, Ali told that he had thought of making Highway in various ways. At an instant he thought of making it a very big action film later he thought of scripting it in a very romantic way; some 12 years back, he drew romantic instances from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. He added, "The film is about the discovery of yourself while traveling. It’s a coming-of-age movie." Prior to shooting he didn't complete scripting for the film and the script got ready after the shooting of the scenes because the dialogues were decided on the spot.[8]Over the improvisations in script, he stated, "For instance, when we were on the top of snow mountains in Himachal Pradesh, I wanted to be open to what nature suggested and the impulses the actors gave me, rather than stick to what I had written, sitting in a room in Mumbai. The film was made on the way, on the go. I had to have very suitable, good actors and a low maintenance crew."[9]For Highway, Randeep Hooda prepared for his role with such sincerity that in order to keep the initial distance with Alia Bhatt’s character, he didn’t speak to her for about 25 days.[10]

Casting

In December 2012, reports emerged that Ali has cast Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt for his upcoming film Highway.[11] However, in February 2013 the casting was officially confirmed.[12] Ali claimed that earlier he was looking out for an older actress to match up with Hooda. However, the role went to Alia Bhatt that made effect on his film script.[6] Later he added, "I needed somebody who is city slick girl (Alia Bhatt), who has never been out. But the guy (Randeep Hooda) had to be somebody who has had a life and understanding of life".[13]About Hooda's character, Ali stated, "Mahabir is also pure enough not to be a prototypical villain. Only later in the film, certain things are revealed about him, why he’s an oppressor."[9]

Crew

As per previous collaboration of Ali with the composer A.R. Rahman, the latter's inclusion in the project though initially rumored[14] was confirmed by March 2013. In an interview with The Telegraph Ali stated that he wasn’t even thinking of A.R. Rahman to score for this film. However, after reading the script Rahman agreed to score.[6]In yet another interview Ali stated, he and Rahman were in touch through Skype and Rahman enquired about Ali's new project and wanted to collaborate after Ali deciphered the outline of the story.[9]The film is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under his new production house Window Seat Films and Imtiaz Ali is the co-producer. The cinematography was done by Anil Mehta. Resul Pookutty was roped in for the film's sound design. Lyricist Irshad Kamil has penned the songs.[15][16]

Filming

Principal photography began in early March 2013 on highways of India. Imtiaz Ali quoted, "Highway is emotionally charged, physically strenuous". The first look as a snap at the filming location featuring the director and the lead actors was released in March 2013.[17] Initially, the director planned to shoot along Bengal-Bihar-Odisha highway road belt but later opted to shoot along the road highways of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, making the film first of its kind to shoot such. Scenes were shot in Kuchaman valley where the sand dunes provided the terrain transitions that were necessarily required.[7] In mid-April 2013, the crew was off to Gurais, Kashmir to shoot a song and some sequences in the valley.[18] Scenes in Aru valley and Chandanwari near Pahalgam were also canned.[19] By early May 2013, nearly seventy percent of the filming was completed.[20] Although the entire shooting was planned for 60 days the team finished the same in 52 days. On filming scenes, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ali stated, "I also didn't go for a large camera setup such as cranes and dollies. I wanted the cameras to be easily transported as we were shooting in difficult locations such as mountains. So if I thought the shot would look better from a higher angle, we could move the equipment faster than if we had a heavy setup."[5] Officially, the shooting was wrapped up on 28 May 2013.[21]

Music

The film soundtrack album is composed by A. R. Rahman. The album has nine original songs with lyrics of eight tracks penned by Irshad Kamil and remaining one by Lady Kash and Krissy. Initially, the film was planned with only background score and no songs.[22]The track "Maahi Ve" sung by A. R. Rahman and "Patakha Guddi (female)" sung by Nooran sisters (Jyoti & Sultana Nooran), both these singles framed the score of the theatrical trailer[23] These tracks clenched second position on iTunes India single charts on their respective release dates as singles. The complete soundtrack album had a digital release on 24 January 2014. It debuted on number one position on iTunes India and "Maahi Ve" was the chart topping single.[24]

Promotion

Marketing began from November 2013 wherein series of behind the scenes footages as episodes titled under the head "Highway Diaries" were released on Bollywood Hungama's production blog.

# Episode title Location
1 "Ep. 1" Mangar village, Gurgaon – Faridabad road
2 "Ep. 3" Ajmer
3 "Ep. 5" Sambhar Salt Pan
3 "Ep. 6" Bikaner
4 "Ep. 7" Ferozpur
5 "Ep. 10" Tabo
6 "Ep. 11" Kinnaur
7 "Ep. 13" Kashmir
8 "Ep. 14" Aru valley
9 "Ep. 16" Making of "Patakha Guddi"

The film's merchandises, namely head gears, jackets, map scarfs, bags and shirts, all consisting fabric prints of title logo were made available for online sale.[25] On 30 January 2014, Alia Bhatt promoted the film on the sets of Dance India Dance.[26] On 13 February 2014, Hooda, Bhatt, Ali, A. R. Rahman and the director of Disney UTV made an appearance at Cineworld in Feltham to promote the film as well for its first International premiere at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival.[27]Ali and Alia Bhatt promoted the film at an event in Taj West End, Bengaluru.[28]The leading duo and Imtiaz Ali appeared on the show Comedy Nights with Kapil to promote the film.[29]Actor Ranbir Kapoor had seen an early cut of the film and loved the film so much that he didn't want to lose an opportunity to talk about the movie with Imtiaz Ali and the leading lady Alia Bhatt. He arrived at the Film City studios where the three of them moved around in the truck and chatted about the film. This activity of promotion was filmed for the news channel Times Now.[30]

Release

Initially set to release on 12 December 2013, the film's release date was shifted to 21 February 2014. [31] The trailer of the film was released on 16 December 2013.[32] On 20 February 2014, a day prior to the actual release date, the film had a special screening that was attended by Pooja Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt, Imtiaz Ali, Shazahn Padamsee, Mukesh Bhatt, Bhushan Kumar, Rekha at the PVR Cinemas in Mumbai. Apart the guest invitees, critics were specially invited for the film's screening.[citation needed]

Critical reception

India

Critic Subhash K. Jha gave the film 4 stars out of 5 and states that Highway resembles Gyan Correa’s Gujarati masterpiece The Good Road.[33] Critic Srijana Mitra Das for The Times of India gave the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and stated, "Highway is not an easy ride. But it offers fresh breezes and new sights."[34]For Mumbai Mirror, Rahul Desai wrote, "Highway makes for the kind of cinema we need, perhaps not something we entirely deserve. Even if you aren't moved by its unhurried simplicity, or do not agree with this review, I challenge you to resist an overwhelming urge to rush out after dark hoping to get kidnapped (or simpler, just take off) to the foothills of the Himalayas. In that itself, is the battle won by a film that strives for little more."[35] He gave the film 4 out of 5. Critic Sonia Chopra for Sify gave 4 on 5 and claimed, "Maybe there’s no need to intellectualize this beautiful bond and just savour it as it is. Just like the film. Do Not Miss!"[36] Assigning no rating yet positive critical review, at One India, Venkatesh Prasad noted, "Highway will be a special experience for you, especially if you like road movies. Film has some valid points about life in general. Watch it and you won't regret your decision."[37] Saibal Chatterjee for NDTV gave the film 3 out of 5 and wrote, "Highway is a must watch as much for what it is as for what it isn’t. It is not a typical romantic drama, nor an average love story. It is a road movie with a difference.[38]Taran Adarsh for Bollywood Hungama assigned the film 2 stars out of 5 and summarized, "On the whole, HIGHWAY is a triumph for Alia Bhatt, who delivers a marvelous performance. Also, what you carry home, besides Alia's winning performance, are the stunning visuals, especially towards the second hour. But the treatment of the written material restricts its appeal largely. The connoisseurs of cinema and a tiny segment of the movie-going audience may go ga-ga over the film, but there's precious little for the large base of mass audience that's looking at the entertainment quotient from the maker of hugely admired entertainers like Jab We Met and Love Aaj Kal."[39]Parmita Uniyal for Hindustan Times writes, "If you are stuck on the crossroads of life, take the Highway." The critic claimed the performance as, "Alia Bhatt is still a 'student' in Bollywood, but can give a lesson or two to many. A natural performer, she nails it in a couple of scenes", whereas for Randeep Hooda she wrote, " He delivers a nuanced yet controlled performance. He perfects the Haryanvi accent to lend authenticity to his character. He's able to get into the skin of his character Mahabir Bhati. His character opens up and frees himself from the self-imposed shackles towards the end."[40]

For Rediff, Aseem Chhabra after viewing the film in Berlin quoted, "It is rare that a Hindi language film delivers so much promise in the first half. And so it is extremely disappointing when the director and his script lead us on a journey that eventually fizzles out, collapses and dies in front of our eyes". He gave the film 2 stars out of 5.[41] Manohar Basu at Koimoi stated, "Highway whips up all the ingredients required for an intriguing film but goes wrong as a whole. It is bold subject handled flimsily and doesn't come close to believable. There is excessive heavy handedness in the screenplay and somehow the effortless ease that signifies the beauty of Imtiaz’s films is absolutely missing from it. There is far too much of incoherence in the screenplay to bear and though it tried its hand at adding varied hues to multiple layers of the story, one cannot disagree to the fact that it is only Rahman’s divine music and the pristine cinematography that works here. The film is heart-breakingly mediocre. It is a lenient 2.5/5 for Highway"[42]Shubhra Gupta for The Indian Express gave the film 2 out of 5 stars, noted, "‘Highway’ is pretty but stagey, Alia Bhatt falters in many places".[43] Deepanjali Pal for Firstpost writes, "A journey with Alia Bhatt and many road bumps." Critic Gayatri Sankar for Zee News noted, "‘Highway’ emerges as a clear winner. It is not meant for movie goers who enter the theatre hoping to see some bizarre fight sequences, masaledar drama, naach-gaana or intense love-making scenes. Nonetheless, if you are looking forward to seeing a really hatke love story then ‘Highway’ is your destination." She gave the film 3.5 stars out of 5.[44]

Overseas

Priya Joshi of Digital Spy gave it 4 (out of 5) stars: "It's exemplary filmmaking, and the hope is that audiences will take a detour from the confines of commercial Bollywood and embrace this wholly edifying experience. Highway will move you in ways you would have never expected."[45]Sneha May Francis for Emirates 24/7 wrote, "Barring a sluggish narrative and a few continuity slip-ups, Imitiaz’s movie promises remarkable performances. Highway is a road less traveled, and one that we think you must embark on. It’s a bumpy ride, no doubt, but one that’s set in the right direction."[46]Deborah Young for The Hollywood Reporter noted, "Soul-lifting visuals and a score by A. R. Rahman help, but can’t save, a pat drama."[47]Viji Alles for UKAsian wrote, "a road-trip movie that not only gives a triumphant two-fingered salute to many films of the genre but to Bollywood convention as well."[48]Rachel Saltz for The New York Times putforth, "Mr. Ali’s story, though, wanders too long and too far, sometimes coming off like a forced mash-up of “It Happened One Night” and “Patty Hearst.” No wonder the film can’t sustain a tone, wavering between realism and Bollywood hokum."[49]Assigning the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, critic Manjusha Radhakrishnan for Gulf News stated, "It’s gritty in parts and unrealistic in some (which hostage would break out into a hip-hop dance on wasteland). But watch this one for Bhatt and Hooda. They are at their vulnerable, rugged best. Plus, if you are in the mood to see India in its raw, unpolished state, Highway can be an exhilarating ride."[50]Critic Zachary Wigon for The Village Voice commented, "Imtiaz Ali's Highway is nothing if not erratic in its narrative delivery — though its fascinating thematic concern remains fixed throughout." He summarized the film - Indian 1 Percenter Kidnapped! Then She Falls in Love! It's Bollywood.."[51]Ronnie Scheib for Variety noted, "Life is literally a highway for kidnapper and victim in this engaging and atypical improvised Bollywood road movie."[52]At critic Roger Joseph Ebert's website where the film receives 2.5 stars (out of 5) critic-cum-journalist Danny Bowes asserted, "Highway might be a very good movie indeed. Instead, it's an inconsistent, if intermittently splendorous, work. There are, to be perfectly clear, far worse things in life."[53]

Box office

The released on over 700 screens across India; mostly in multiplexes. It started slowly with occupancy of 20—25% at the theatres but later gained momentum during evening in multiplexes in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Bangalore collecting 32.5−35 million (US$−420,000).[54][55]

References

  1. ^ "Tiger Shroff's debut film 'Heropanti' to release next year". Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  2. ^ "HIGHWAY (12A)". IG Interactive Entertainment Limited. British Board of Film Classification. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  3. ^ "Imtiaz Ali's Highway to release on February 21, 2014". Indicine. 3 April 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  4. ^ Rajesh Kumar Singh (18 January 2014). "Imtiaz Ali's HIGHWAY completes Berlinale Panorama feature line up". Bollywood Trade. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  5. ^ a b Nyay Bhushan (13 February 2014). "Indian Director Imtiaz Ali: 'I'm Supposed to Be a Vulgar Sellout' (Berlin Q&A)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  6. ^ a b c Pritam D. Gupta (14 March 2013). "Imtiaz's journey, inside-out". The Telegraph. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  7. ^ a b Pritam D. Gupta (3 April 2013). "Who's That Girl?". The Telegraph. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  8. ^ "'Highway' Changed Forms Many Times, Says Imtiaz Ali". Indiawest. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  9. ^ a b c "Berlin Diary: 'Movies are like infections', says Imtiaz Ali on Highway". Firstpost. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  10. ^ "Why Randeep Hooda didn't speak to Alia Bhatt for 25 days during Highway shoot". The Indian Express. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  11. ^ "Imtiaz Ali casts Randeep and Alia in Highway". Bollywood Hungama. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  12. ^ "Highway: Randeep Hooda is excited to work with Imtiaz Ali". The Times of India. 20 February 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  13. ^ "Imtiaz Ali: 'Highway is a coming-of-age film'". Digital Spy. 26 November 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2013.
  14. ^ "After Rockstar Imtiaz Ali, A R Rahman reunite for Highway". The Indian Express. 12 February 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  15. ^ "Imtiaz Ali turns producer with Highway". Hindustan Times. 25 March 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  16. ^ "Imtiaz Ali teams up with A.R Rahman again for `Highway`". Zee News. 14 March 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  17. ^ "Highway (2013) Film First Look - Alia Bhatt & Randeep Hooda". Yetket. 14 March 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  18. ^ Peerzada Ashiq (20 April 2013). "Bollywood calling: Imtiaz Ali takes the 'Highway' to Valley". Hindustan Times. Srinigar. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  19. ^ "On the road: When Highway girl Alia met the nomadic Bakarwals of Kashmir Valley". India Today. 19 May 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  20. ^ "I wanted 'Highway' to be my first film: Imtiaz Ali". The Times of India. 8 May 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
  21. ^ "Imtiaz Ali's Highway shoot wraps up". Hindustan Times. New Delhi. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  22. ^ Anirban Das (21 January 2014). "I will quit if I'm unable to meet people's expectations: AR Rahman". Hindustan Times. Mumbai. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  23. ^ "Here's wishing Rahman sir a very Happy B'day - Imtiaz Ali". HighwayTheFilm on Facebook. 6 January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  24. ^ "Highway (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". iTunes. Retrieved 24 January 2014.
  25. ^ "Highway the movie - the road, the places, the HIGHWAY'". 1469workshop. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  26. ^ "Who caught Alia Bhatt's eye on DID4?". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  27. ^ Sunny Malik. "Alia Bhatt and Imtiaz Ali bring Highway to London!". Bollyspice. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  28. ^ Aparna Mudi. "Imtiaz Ali, Alia Bhatt launch 'Highway' in Bangalore". Zee News. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
  29. ^ Melanie Demello (18 February 2014). "Comedy Nights With Kapil Goes On A Highway". Business of Cinema. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
  30. ^ "Ranbir Kapoor's special gesture for 'Highway'". DNA India. 19 February 2014. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
  31. ^ "'Heropanti' release shifted to make way for 'Highway'". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  32. ^ "A R Rahman to compose music for Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone's 'Window Seat'". The Indian Express, Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 30 October 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ "Movie Review: Highway is a Journey into India's Heartland". news.biharprabha.com. Indo-Asian News Service. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  34. ^ "Highway". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  35. ^ "Film review: Highway". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  36. ^ "Highway Review: Don't miss it!". Sify. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  37. ^ "Film review: Highway". OneIndia. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  38. ^ "Highway movie review". NDTV. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  39. ^ "Highway". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  40. ^ "Movie review: Alia Bhatt, Randeep Hooda's Highway is bumpy yet deeply enjoyable". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  41. ^ "Review: Highway is extremely disappointing". Rediff. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  42. ^ "Highway Review". Koimoi. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  43. ^ "Movie Review Highway: Alia Bhatt falters in many places". The Indian Express. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  44. ^ "'Highway' review: Imtiaz Ali delivers a clear winner; Alia, Randeep mesmerise". Zee News. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  45. ^ "Highway review: 'Imtiaz Ali's film will touch you at your core'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  46. ^ Sneha May Francis. "Bollywood movie review: Alia Bhatt, Randeep Hooda step it up for 'Highway'". Emirates 24/7. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  47. ^ "Highway: Berlin Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  48. ^ Viji Alles. "#TheUKAsianReview: Imtiaz Ali's 'Highway' is a silent triumph". UKAsian. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  49. ^ Rachel Saltz. "Celebrating Bondage Over Bonds of Marriage". The New York Times. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  50. ^ "Review: Highway is gritty in parts, unrealistic in others". Gulf News. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  51. ^ "Review: Highway". The Village Voice. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  52. ^ "Film Review: Highway". Variety. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  53. ^ Danny Bowes. "Film Review: Highway". rogerebert.com. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  54. ^ "Highway Dependent On Word Of Mouth Darr At Mall Dull". Box Office India Trade Network. Box office India. 21 February 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  55. ^ "Highway First Day Collection Report". Box Office India Trade Network. Box office India. 22 February 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.