Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Highway’ marked a significant turning point in Alia Bhatt’s career, but few know that she wasn’t the filmmaker’s initial choice for the role of Veera. In a candid interview with Mid-Day, Ali shared that he originally envisioned the lead character as a mature woman, not a young actress like Alia. However, a chance meeting with Bhatt at the screening of ‘Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana’ changed his mind.
Imtiaz recalled being captivated by Alia’s warmth and emotional depth during their conversation. “Her emotional quotient was very high, and I was drawn to talk to her,” Ali revealed, noting that as their discussion delved into deeper topics like home and society, Alia’s true voice emerged. This interaction made him realize that the emotional depth he sought in Veera could indeed be portrayed by the ‘young girl’ in front of him.
Ali admitted that his original vision was to cast an older actress, possibly someone like Aishwarya Rai, who he imagined as a perfect fit for Veera without makeup. However, he never approached anyone else after meeting Alia, “Aishwarya Rai without any makeup would be a great choice, but I didn’t approach anybody,” he shared.
‘Highway’ (2014), directed by Imtiaz Ali, is a powerful and evocative Bollywood drama that tells the story of Veera Tripathi, played by Alia Bhatt, a young woman from a wealthy family who is unexpectedly kidnapped during a highway robbery. What begins as a terrifying ordeal soon turns into a journey of self-discovery, as Veera finds freedom and solace in the very captivity she feared.
The film is a poignant exploration of themes such as liberation, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships. Imtiaz Ali masterfully weaves a narrative that captures the stark contrasts between the open, untamed landscapes of India and the emotional confinement experienced by the characters.
Alia Bhatt delivers a career-defining performance as Veera, portraying the character’s transformation from a sheltered, anxious girl to a liberated and self-aware woman with stunning authenticity. Randeep Hooda, who plays Mahabir, her kidnapper, also brings depth to his role, revealing layers of vulnerability beneath his rough exterior.
‘Highway’ is celebrated for its breathtaking cinematography by Anil Mehta, which beautifully captures the diverse and raw landscapes of India, and its soul-stirring music by A.R. Rahman, which enhances the emotional depth of the film. Imtiaz Ali’s direction, combined with these elements, makes ‘Highway’ a memorable and thought-provoking cinematic experience that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.
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