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Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se remains one of the most important films in Hindi cinema. However, the film initially received negative feedback from the audience upon its release, primarily due to its tragic ending in which Shah Rukh Khan’s character is killed. In a recent interaction, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who was also the co-producer of Dil Se, revealed how he acted as a mediator between the film’s director Mani Ratnam and another producer, Bharat Shah.
RGV recalled that Bharat was unhappy with the film’s tragic climax and even suggested an alternate ending to Mani—only to be dismissed by the filmmaker. Speaking about the incident on IndiaTV ShowBiz, RGV shared, “When Dil Se released and there was massive negative talk, initially Bharat Shah said that people didn’t like Shah Rukh being killed. He asked not to make it a tragedy. After the film released, he told me that we should cut the bomb blast scene. He said that the moment Shah Rukh and Manisha hug each other, we should switch to the ‘Chaiya Chaiya’ song.”
Ram Gopal Varma said he took Bharat Shah’s suggestion to Mani Ratnam, and recalled the director’s blunt reaction, “Mani told me, ‘Has he gone mad or what? How can Shah Rukh hug Manisha and in the next moment imagine Malaika Arora.’ Bharat’s intention was that when people will see a hit song play again after the lead characters had hugged, they will think it’s a love story and a happy ending.”
For context, Dil Se ends with Manisha Koirala’s character, who is a suicide bomber, being stopped by her lover (played by Shah Rukh Khan). In a desperate attempt to stop her, he embraces her just as the bomb detonates — killing both of them.
During the interview, it was also revealed that Bharat Shah’s unusual idea of ending the film with “Chaiya Chaiya” actually stemmed from feedback he received from exhibitors. Apparently, many people would buy tickets primarily to watch the hit song, which plays ten minutes into the film, and then leave the theatre soon after. This caused issues for theatre owners because it meant that there were fewer purchases of snacks like popcorn, cola, and samosas. Exhibitors suggested moving the song post-interval to ensure that people stayed longer.
Dil Se received positive reviews from critics but it performed moderately at the box office. The film, however, was a success overseas.
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