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Shiddat
Shiddat
from Wikipedia

Shiddat
Official release poster
Directed byKunal Deshmukh
Written byDheeraj Rattan
Pooja Ladha Surti
Shridhar Raghavan
Story bySara Bodinar
Produced byBhushan Kumar
Krishan Kumar
Dinesh Vijan
StarringSunny Kaushal
Radhika Madan
Mohit Raina
Diana Penty
CinematographyAmalendu Chaudhary
Edited byA. Sreekar Prasad
Music bySongs:
Sachin–Jigar
Manan Bhardwaj
Khawaja Pervaiz
Gourav Dasgupta
Background Score:
Sachin–Jigar
Production
companies
Distributed byDisney+ Hotstar
Release date
  • 1 October 2021 (2021-10-01)[1]
Running time
146 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Shiddat: Journey Beyond Love, or simply Shiddat[2] (transl. Passion), is a 2021 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by Kunal Deshmukh and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Dinesh Vijan under their banners T-Series and Maddock Films. The film stars Sunny Kaushal, Radhika Madan, Mohit Raina and Diana Penty.

The film premiered on 1 October 2021 on Disney+ Hotstar.

Plot

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The film starts with the wedding ceremony of Gautam and Ira, who were fellow mates at a French university. Jaggi, a drunk guest at the wedding, creates a scene and gets caught with his friends for gatecrashing the party.

3 years later

[edit]

Jaggi crosses the border illegally, intending to reach London, but gets caught and taken back to the embassy where Gautam works. Jaggi explains that he has to reach London before Monday to prove his love, after being inspired by Gautam's speech on reception day. The film flashes back to three months ago.

Jaggi, a hockey player, meets Kartika, a swimmer, and though the two get off to a rocky start, they start spending time together and grow close. But Jaggi finds out Kartika is getting married. She asks him meet her after three months in London, to prove that his love is true, in which case she would cancel the wedding. Jaggi enters the UK illegally and faces many hurdles trying to reach Kartika before her wedding and after falling off a plane Jaggi dies leaving Kartika heartbroken. The film ends with Kartika along with Gautam, Ira and all their friends trying to celebrate Jaggi's life, remembering him.

Cast

[edit]
  • Sunny Kaushal as Joginder "Jaggi" Dhillon
  • Radhika Madan as Kartika Singh
  • Mohit Raina as Gautam Sehgal
  • Diana Penty as Ira Sharma Sehgal
  • Arjun Singh as Ketan
  • Vidhatri Bandi as Sheena
  • Gaurav Amlani as Pinkesh
  • Gandharv Dewan as Rana "Rane" Chaudhry
  • Chirag Malhotra as Bilal
  • Hoomayun as Nazir
  • Babraqk Akbari as Tarekh
  • Atul Kumar as Rajesh Singh
  • Nazneen Madan as Manjari Singhania
  • Rajendra Shisatkat as Coach Damle
  • Diljohn as Kersie Marfatia
  • Floriane Andersen as Natalie
  • Eric Mallett as French Shopkeeper

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

The film was announced on 16 May 2019 by Dinesh Vijan.[3]

Casting

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Radhika Madan, Sunny Kaushal, Mohit Raina and Diana Penty were signed for the lead roles.[4][5]

Filming

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Principal photography commenced in November 2019.[6][7]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Shiddat
Soundtrack album by
Sachin–Jigar, Manan Bhardwaj and Gourov Dasgupta
Released22 September 2021[8]
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length26:38
LanguageHindi
LabelT-Series
Official audio
Shiddat - Full Album on YouTube

The film's music was composed by Sachin–Jigar, Manan Bhardwaj and Gourov Dasgupta while lyrics written by Kausar Munir, Priya Saraiya, Kunwar Juneja and Manan Bhardwaj.

The song "Akhiyan Udeek Diyan" is a remake of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's qawwali which was written by Khawaja Pervaiz and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.[9][10] Nusrat had released a studio version of “Akhiyan Udeek Diyan” in 1993, though he had performed it live many years earlier.[11] Kohinoor Mukherjee, mixing and mastering engineer received 'Best Mixing Mastering Award' for the song "Hum Dum".[12]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Shiddat - Title Track"Manan BhardwajManan BhardwajManan Bhardwaj3:50
2."Akhiyan Udeek Diyan"Manan Bhardwaj, Khawaja Pervaiz, Nusrat Fateh Ali KhanNusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Manan BhardwajMaster Saleem4:33
3."Barbaadiyan"Priya SaraiyaSachin–JigarSachet Tandon, Nikhita Gandhi, Madhubanti Bagchi, Sachin–Jigar3:50
4."Hum Dum"Kunwar JunejaGourov DasguptaAnkit Tiwari5:05
5."Chitta"Manan Bhardwaj, TraditionalManan BhardwajManan Bhardwaj3:48
6."Jug Jug Jeeve"Kausar MunirSachin–JigarSachet Tandon, Parampara Tandon, Sachin–Jigar3:19
7."Shiddat" (Reprise)Manan BhardwajManan BhardwajManan Bhardwaj2:13
Total length:26:38

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Shiddat: Journey Beyond Love (transl. Passion), or simply Shiddat, is a 2021 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by Kunal Deshmukh. Starring Sunny Kaushal, Radhika Madan, Mohit Raina, and Diana Penty in lead roles, it explores themes of intense love and passion through intertwined stories of two couples. The film premiered directly on the streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar on 1 October 2021, bypassing a theatrical release. The narrative centers on Jaggi (Sunny Kaushal), a carefree and passionate young man from Punjab who falls deeply in love with Kartika (Radhika Madan), an aspiring Indian Foreign Service officer. When Kartika moves abroad and becomes engaged to another man, Jaggi embarks on an extraordinary journey across continents—symbolized by crossing the "seven seas"—to profess his love and prevent her wedding. Parallel to this is the story of Gautam (Mohit Raina), a mature diplomat, and his wife Ira (Diana Penty), whose relationship contrasts Jaggi's impulsive pursuit with more pragmatic dynamics. Written by Shridhar Raghavan and Dheeraj Rattan, with additional screenplay by Pooja Ladha Surti, the screenplay emphasizes emotional intensity and the transformative power of unwavering devotion. Produced by under , Shiddat features a composed by , Manan Bhardwaj, and Gourov Dasgupta, including notable tracks like the title song "Shiddat" sung by Manan Bhardwaj and "Barbaadiyan" by . The music received widespread acclaim for enhancing the film's romantic and adventurous tone. Upon release, the film garnered mixed critical reception: praised for the lead performances—particularly Kaushal's energetic portrayal and Raina's subtlety—and its heartfelt music, but critiqued for a convoluted plot and problematic depiction of relationships. Audiences responded more positively, with an IMDb rating of 7.6/10 and an 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, appreciating its emotional depth and breezy first half.

Synopsis

Plot

The film Shiddat interweaves two parallel love stories, contrasting obsessive passion with a stable yet strained marital bond. It opens at the wedding of Gautam Sehgal (Mohit Raina), an Indian Foreign Service officer based in Paris, and his wife Ira (Diana Penty), a dedicated social activist whom he met during a French language course. As a seemingly intoxicated guest, Jaggi (Sunny Kaushal) disrupts the ceremony with an impassioned monologue about unwavering love, prompting Gautam to share Jaggi's extraordinary tale with the attendees. The narrative then flashes back three years to the origins of Jaggi's fixation. Three years prior, Jaggi, a laid-back hockey player from , , attends a national multi-sport camp where he encounters Kartika (), a competitive swimmer from . Their meeting begins tensely when Jaggi snaps her photo without consent, but it evolves into a fervent romance amid the event's energy, culminating in them spending the night together. Kartika soon discloses that she is betrothed to a man in and plans to relocate there for their wedding in , viewing her connection with Jaggi as a fleeting adventure. Devastated, Jaggi implores her to end the engagement, but the pragmatic Kartika issues a challenge: if his feelings endure, he must travel to and halt the ceremony to prove it. She departs , skeptical of his resolve. Fueled by determination, Jaggi launches an unauthorized overland and sea voyage from to , devoid of visa or documentation, navigating a gauntlet of perils across borders. He hitches rides through and , endures beatings from smugglers in , scales rugged mountains in , and conceals himself in freight vehicles while crossing into and . Arrested multiple times for , he faces threats and grueling interrogations. In , during an , Gautam serves as his case officer; Jaggi's unyielding devotion to Kartika prompts Gautam to confront his own faltering marriage to Ira, marred by his career demands clashing with her fieldwork commitments, resulting in escalating conflicts and emotional rifts. Inspired, Gautam reaches out to Ira, initiating steps toward reconciliation. Jaggi presses on, stowing away on a cargo plane bound for the to close the final leg of his trek. In a devastating turn, he plummets from the during transit and perishes. Three months after Kartika's challenge, the fallout emerges at her wedding to her fiancé, where revelations of Jaggi's extreme efforts leave her grappling with regret and the depth of his sacrifice, though she ultimately honors her commitment. The story returns to the opening wedding of Gautam and Ira, now solidified after their renewed understanding, as Gautam recounts Jaggi's to friends in tribute, underscoring how one man's pursuit reshaped another's union while leaving Kartika forever altered.

Themes

Shiddat contrasts the intense, obsessive passion of Jaggi and Kartika's romance with the more mature yet ego-driven dynamics of Gautam and Ira's , highlighting the tension between impulsive and pragmatic relationships. Jaggi's relentless pursuit across continents exemplifies a fervor that borders on mania, while Gautam's role as an officer underscores a controlled, duty-bound partnership strained by personal insecurities. This duality critiques how societal expectations often prioritize stability over emotional intensity, as seen in the film's portrayal of as both liberating and destructive. The film delves into the inherent in romantic obsessions, portraying elements of and unrealistic expectations that challenge conventional Bollywood tropes. Jaggi's actions, such as unauthorized surveillance and border-crossing , are critiqued as glorifying stalker-like under the guise of , raising ethical concerns about and agency. Reviews note how this risks normalizing unhealthy pursuits, with Kartika's initial rejection underscoring the harm of unreciprocated fixation. Motifs of , destiny, and personal growth permeate the story, framing as a that tests resilience and self-discovery. Jaggi's , including and physical hardships, symbolize devotion to a fated connection, while characters like Gautam confront their flaws amid relational turmoil, suggesting growth through . These elements explore how 's challenges can lead to , though the film is faulted for superficial execution. Cultural aspects, particularly and relationships, add depth to the narrative's global scope, reflecting real-world complexities of displacement and identity. The London setting and Jaggi's undocumented journey highlight barriers faced by migrants in pursuit of personal dreams, intersecting with romantic ideals in a multicultural context. This backdrop critiques the romanticization of such struggles, emphasizing their perilous reality.

Production

Development

The film Shiddat was officially announced on May 16, 2019, by filmmaker under his banner in collaboration with T-Series, with Vijan and serving as producers. The project was conceived as a romantic drama emphasizing intense passion, marking another venture for into love stories following their earlier productions. Kunal Deshmukh, known for directing films such as (2008), (2009), (2012), and (2014), was brought on board as the director shortly after the announcement. The screenplay was penned by , , and Pooja Ladha Surti, with the story credited to Sara Bodinar, drawing on themes of obsessive romance to craft a of unwavering devotion. Lead actors were selected during this phase to align with the story's emotional demands. Principal photography wrapped in March 2020, but the led to an indefinite delay in theatrical plans, prompting producers to pivot toward an OTT release strategy to reach audiences amid theater closures. This decision reflected broader industry shifts during the crisis, allowing the film to premiere exclusively on on October 1, 2021.

Casting

Sunny Kaushal was cast in the lead role of Jaggi, the passionate lover, after auditioning multiple times following initial meetings with producer Dinesh Vijan and director Kunal Deshmukh. This marked his first major leading role in a feature film following supporting parts in movies like Gold (2018) and Bhangra Paa Le (2020), building on his earlier television work in Udaan (2014–2015). Radhika Madan was selected for the role of Kartika, paired with Kaushal to leverage their on-screen chemistry, which was highlighted in promotional materials and reviews as a key strength of the film. The casting emphasized their fresh dynamic as the central romantic leads. Mohit Raina was cast as Gautam, representing a significant transition for the actor from prominent television roles, such as in (2011–2014), to feature films. joined as Ira, completing the principal quartet in this ensemble love story. Key supporting roles included Vidhatri Bandi as Sheena, Gandharv Dewan as Rane, and Gaurav Amlani in a minor part, with the ensemble rounded out by actors like Arjun Singh and Chirag Malhotra to fill out the narrative's interpersonal dynamics. No major casting replacements were reported during production.

Filming

Principal photography for Shiddat commenced in 2019 in , where lead actor began shooting his portions on November 2. joined the shoot later that month, kicking off her work on the project on November 23. also started filming around early November, coinciding with her birthday. The production utilized multiple locations to capture the film's narrative arc, beginning with initial scenes in , to establish the cultural backdrop. Subsequent schedules took place in and for the international elements, including sequences at in , , and the Port of Ramsgate in , , which stood in for the Port. Filming wrapped up in March 2020, shortly before the imposition of a nationwide lockdown in due to the . The schedule faced disruptions from the escalating , with halting amid travel restrictions between countries and the need for safety protocols, such as testing and measures for the cast and crew upon returning to . These challenges delayed processes but allowed the core shoot to conclude without major reshoots.

Release and Reception

Release

Shiddat premiered directly on the OTT platform on 1 October 2021, bypassing a theatrical release due to the ongoing and associated lockdowns. Originally planned for theaters, producers opted for the digital to reach audiences amid theater closures and uncertainty. The film, completed after shoots in 2020, runs for 146 minutes. Promotion included the release of key songs from the ahead of the , such as the title track on 15 September 2021, to build anticipation. The followed on 22 September 2021. The release was available internationally on in regions including and from the same date. No subsequent home media releases, such as DVD or Blu-ray, have been announced, with the film remaining primarily accessible via streaming services.

Critical Reception

Shiddat received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the on-screen chemistry between leads and while criticizing the film for promoting toxic elements in its portrayal of romance. noted the story as a "passionate but problematic love story," highlighting the leads' earnest performances but faulting the narrative for lacking conviction in its secondary plotlines. Similarly, commended the "crackling chemistry" between Kaushal and Madan, describing their pairing as fresh and effective in conveying emotional intensity. Critics frequently pointed to the film's uneven pacing and screenplay flaws as major weaknesses, with the first half engaging but the second fizzling out into implausibility. Outlook India described it as an "entertaining first half" that promised an emotional saga but ultimately delivered a "word out romance" with few takers due to its faltering execution. criticized the screenplay for justifying the protagonist Jaggi's wayward and obsessive actions under the guise of romance, regardless of , which undermined the story's sympathy. Reviews also questioned the realism of Jaggi's arduous journey from to and , labeling it as overly dramatic and stalker-like, bordering on toxic . On aggregate platforms, the film fared better with audiences than some critics anticipated. users rated it 7.6 out of 10 based on over 26,000 votes, reflecting appreciation for its passion and acting. showed an 86% approval rating from a small sample of five reviews, emphasizing the storyline's emotional pull despite its flaws. In terms of accolades, the film's received recognition, with mixing engineer winning the Best Mixing and Mastering Award at the 2023 PALM Sound & Light Awards for the track "Hum Dum."

Soundtrack

Track Listing

The soundtrack for Shiddat was released on 22 September 2021 by T-Series and features seven tracks composed primarily by Manan Bhardwaj, Sachin-Jigar, and Gourov Dasgupta.
No.TitleSinger(s)DurationLyricist(s)
1Shiddat - Title TrackManan Bhardwaj3:50Manan Bhardwaj
2Akhiyan Udeek Diyan4:33Manan Bhardwaj
3BarbaadiyanSachet Tandon, , Madhubanti Bagchi, Sachin-Jigar3:50
4Hum Dum5:05Kunwar Juneja
5ChittaManan Bhardwaj3:48Manan Bhardwaj
6Jug Jug JeeveSachet Tandon, Parampara Tandon, Sachin-Jigar3:19
7Shiddat (Reprise)Manan Bhardwaj2:13Manan Bhardwaj
The total runtime of the album is 26:38.

Composition

The soundtrack of Shiddat was composed by a trio of music directors: Sachin-Jigar, who handled two tracks ("Barbaadiyan" and "Jug Jug Jeeve"); Manan Bhardwaj, responsible for four ("Shiddat - Title Track", "Akhiyan Udeek Diyan", "Chitta", and "Shiddat (Reprise)"); and Gourov Dasgupta, who contributed one ("Hum Dum"). This collaboration resulted in a fusion of romantic ballads and upbeat numbers, blending contemporary Bollywood sensibilities with traditional influences to underscore the film's themes of intense love. The recording process incorporated elements from legendary qawwali traditions, particularly in the track "Akhiyan Udeek Diyan," which drew inspiration from Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's archival vocals and Sufi motifs, evoking longing and spiritual depth through intricate rhythmic patterns and improvisational flourishes. In contrast, "Barbaadiyaan" exemplifies pop-romance with its energetic beats, layered vocals, and club-friendly tempo, creating a vibrant, danceable that balances emotional vulnerability with exuberance. The overall production emphasized melodic hooks and vocal harmonies to enhance the narrative's emotional arcs, with the background score subtly amplifying key romantic and dramatic scenes. Released under the T-Series label on September 22, 2021, the featured pre-release singles starting from mid-September, including the title track, to build anticipation ahead of the film's .

References

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