Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala’s 1998 film Dil Se has grown into a cult classic over time, but it didn’t initially connect with audiences when it was first released in theatres.
Directed by Mani Ratnam, the film is now remembered for its powerful music and unique narrative, but it struggled to make a mark at the box office. Tigmanshu Dhulia, the film’s dialogue writer, believes the film’s unconventional climax played a key role in its poor performance.
Dil Se Dialogue Writer On What Failed The Shah Rukh Khan Starrer
Speaking to Lallantop Adda, Dhulia opened up about the film’s initial reception. “I felt really bad when it didn’t work,” he admitted.
Despite the film’s iconic songs, like “Chaiyya Chaiyya” and “Ae Ajnabi,” Dhulia thinks the ending disappointed the audience. He recalled how, when the music came out, he listened to it with his young daughter, who was only a few months old at the time.
“My wife said that we will change her name from Shreyasi to Jaansi. In a way, Gulzaar sahab kept my daughter’s name,” he said.
Dhulia explained that the tragic climax, where the lead characters die, could have been too much for viewers. “People didn’t want to see the lead actors die towards the end,” he suggested.
He believes that this could be why the film didn’t do well at the box office. “I think the climax was disappointing for the audience. Otherwise, the film was sailing through beautifully,” he added.
When asked if the ending was ever discussed for change, Dhulia praised Mani Ratnam’s vision. “Mani Ratnam is an artist as a director, I have learnt a lot from him. Director ho toh Mani Ratnam jaisa ho (A director should be like him),” Dhulia said. “He trusted his work, it works or doesn’t, he didn’t care. He would never change any shot, the film works or not.”
Manisha Koirala Revealed The CLIMAX Was Changed
Manisha Koirala, who played the role of a conflicted terrorist in the film, also reflected on the controversial ending. In an interview with ANI, she shared her thoughts on the finale.
“As an artist, for me, that was a great opportunity to explore the negative side of the character. I had always played lovable and good roles, but this was different. It was not typical and I liked it,” she explained.
Koirala revealed that, in the original script, the character’s cause was meant to be more significant than the love story, and in the first version, her character dies.
“In the original version, he lets her die, and that was agreeable to all of us, but they changed it last minute,” she said.
Now, Dil Se is celebrated for its unforgettable songs and bold storyline. However, its box office performance remains a mixed experience, with its intense and unexpected ending leaving a lasting impact on those who saw it.
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