Imtiaz Ali shares ‘Highway’ inscribed noteworthy landmark in Alia Bhatt’s career
Imtiaz Ali shares ‘Highway’ inscribed noteworthy landmark in Alia Bhatt’s career
In a recent unbiased interview, renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali
shared that Alia Bhatt wasn’t his initial choice for his film “Highway”. He originally pinned the lead character as a mature woman, not a young actress like Alia. However, a chance meeting with Alia at the screening of ‘Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana’ transformed his mind.
Imtiaz recalled being impressed by Alia’s warmth and emotional depth amidst their conversation. Imtiaz revealed that her emotional quotient was very high, and he was drawn to talk to her,” 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.
The 2014 Imtiaz Ali’s directorial ‘Highway’ is a powerful and evocative B’town drama that narrates the story of Veera Tripathi, played by Alia Bhatt, a young woman from a wealthy family unexpectedly kidnapped amidst 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.
News Edit K.V.Raman
