Filmmaker Milap Milan Zaveri, known for commercial entertainers like Marjaavaan and Satyameva Jayate, is living one of the most emotional phases of his career. His latest romantic drama Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa, has completed a month in theatres — and the numbers are nothing short of a miracle.
Despite clashing with Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s major Diwali release Thamma, the film has collected nearly ₹79 crore in India and crossed the ₹100 crore mark worldwide, becoming one of the year’s surprise superhits. It’s a victory that feels deeply personal for Milap after the painful failure of Satyameva Jayate 2.
“It feels surreal, unbelievable” — Milap on his unexpected blockbuster
Speaking exclusively to ETimes, Milap Zaveri opened up about the emotional roller-coaster behind the film’s success.
“It feels surreal, it feels amazing. I feel grateful and it’s unbelievable,” he said, reflecting on the journey of a film that no one saw coming.
He described the movie as “the dark horse nobody noticed” and admitted that many people had written it off during the Diwali clash.
Milap added,
“Few publications are calling it the third super hit of the year after Chhaava and Saiyaara. It’s humbling… after four years, getting such a huge blockbuster as a director means everything.”
Harshvardhan Rane — The Man Who Gave Milap His Comeback
After Satyameva Jayate 2 underperformed, Milap found himself at one of the lowest points of his professional life. Actors were hesitant to collaborate — until Harshvardhan Rane stepped forward.
Milap didn’t hold back his gratitude:
“Nobody wanted to work with me at that point… Harsh heard the script on the biggest day of his life — the re-release of Sanam Teri Kasam — and he said yes on the spot.”
Zaveri credits Harsh not just for signing the film, but for helping shape it.
“He contributed so much to the script… his inputs made his character redeemable in the second half. Harsh gave me this fight back.”
What’s Next for Milap Zaveri?
Riding on the momentum, Milap is now gearing up for his next theatrical release — Mastii 4, the latest entry in the comedy franchise he has been associated with since the very beginning.
This time, he gets to direct an ensemble of close friends and longtime collaborators:
- Vivek Oberoi
- Riteish Deshmukh
- Aftab Shivdasani
- Arshad Warsi
- Tusshar Kapoor
The film, however, isn’t arriving without competition. It’s all set to clash with Farhan Akhtar’s 120 Bahadur, setting up an interesting showdown at the box office.
Final Words
For Milap Zaveri, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is more than a blockbuster — it’s a revival of confidence, trust, and passion. From being written off after a major failure to delivering a ₹100 crore triumph, his journey stands as one of the most heartfelt comebacks Bollywood has seen this year.
