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Woh Lamhe...
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| Woh Lamhe... | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Directed by | Mohit Suri |
| Written by | Shagufta Rafique |
| Story by | Mahesh Bhatt |
| Produced by | Mahesh Bhatt Mukesh Bhatt |
| Starring | Kangana Ranaut Shiney Ahuja Shaad Randhawa Purab Kohli |
| Cinematography | Bobby Singh |
| Edited by | Akiv Ali |
| Music by | Songs: Pritam Noah Jawad Ahmed Roop Kumar Rathod Background Score: Raju Singh |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Sony Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 148 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Box office | ₹14.98 crores [1] |
Woh Lamhe... (transl. Those Moments...) is a 2006 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt under Vishesh Films. The film stars Kangana Ranaut and Shiney Ahuja. The film is supposedly based on Parveen Babi's life, her battle with schizophrenia and her relationship with Mahesh Bhatt to whom she was a lover as well as a mentor in his struggling days.
Bhatt said that it is his tribute to the actress and the time he spent with her, hence the name Woh Lamhe... ("Those Moments"). Parveen Babi's character is played by Ranaut who is named Sana Azim in the film to avoid a direct reference to the actress. The film was critically acclaimed for its screenplay, direction, and a noteworthy performance of Ranaut.[citation needed] Ranaut’s acting performance in the film, is considered one of her best.[2]
Despite the film getting a lot of praise, it could not recover its budget in the box office and was a massive flop, recovering most of its cost from DVD and satellite television revenue. For her performance in the film, Ranaut won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut at the 52nd Filmfare Awards.[3]
Plot
[edit]The film begins with a woman in a hotel room. She goes to the bathroom and slits her wrists in an attempt to kill herself. That woman is later revealed to be Sana Azim (Kangana Ranaut), a famous Bollywood actress. When this news reaches filmmaker Aditya Pankaj Garewal (Shiney Ahuja), he is devastated. Aditya has been searching for Sana, who was intensely involved with him and who had mysteriously disappeared from his life without any explanation three years ago, only to surface now in what could be the last moments of her life.
As Aditya waits outside the ICU alongside his friend Sam (Purab Kohli), praying to be reunited with her, he has a flashback of moments spent with her three years ago.
Sana had achieved stardom while Aditya was a struggling film director. He spots Sana at a fashion show, where he rebukes her for being ugly inside-out. He insults her to the point where she throws her underwear at him, thus garnering media attention. Nikhil (Shaad Randhawa), her abusive boyfriend, scolds her and rapes her. Sana's mother also scolds her for this act.
Sana agrees at first to work with Aditya for his film, but later she declines as she is bound by a contract. However, she breaks free from Nikhil's misery and agrees to work with Aditya.
Aditya starts shooting his film. During the shoot, both become close to each other. During the last day of the shoot, Sana tearfully says that she will miss him and the memories spent during the shoot. Aditya compares those memories to the sand castles on the beach by saying that those sand castles remain in our memories forever even though they are knocked down by the waves. During the film premiere, both fall in love with each other.
One day, Sana spots a girl forcefully entering her hotel room. She tells Aditya that a girl named Rani (Masumeh) entered the room. However, through the CCTV footage, there was no girl who entered. It later revealed that Sana is a patient with schizophrenia who has excessive hallucinations of Rani, who doesn't even exist, which gradually ruins both Sana's life and career. When Aditya realizes that the only way he can save Sana from total devastation is to take her away from Bollywood and the vested interests that threaten to destroy her completely, he kidnaps her from the hospital, thus putting his career on the line.
Aditya tries his best to bring Sana back on track, but in vain. She secretly stops taking her medication. During her birthday party, she faces her hallucinations once again and stabs Aditya.
One day, suddenly, she disappears, leaving him with unanswered questions. Aditya is shocked. Meanwhile, Nikhil and the police reach the place and take Aditya. Nikhil asks him in anger about Sana's whereabouts, to which Aditya repeatedly answers that he doesn't know.
Back in the present, Aditya is told that Sana has very little time and wants to meet him. They both profess their love for each other, and she breathes her last. Nikhil asks him what he will do next, to which Aditya replies that he doesn't know.
The film ends with Aditya reminiscing about her on a beach. He spots some children making sand castles and remembers his metaphor. He goes and makes castles with them.
Cast
[edit]- Kangana Ranaut as Sana Azim (Based on Parveen Babi)
- Shiney Ahuja as Aditya Pankaj Garewal
- Shaad Randhawa as Nikhil Roy
- Masumeh as Rani Mukherjee
- Purab Kohli as Sam aka Sammy
- Chandrachur Singh as Shaan Awasthi
- Emraan Hashmi as Cameo
- Mirza Abbas Ali as Cameo
- SRK as Cameo
Critical reception
[edit]
Subhash K. Jha of Sify stated, ‘‘Woh Lamhe shows love at its painful best’’. Praising Ranaut's performance he wrote, ‘‘Kangana makes the story of the tormented actress cross the borders of brilliancy; Ranaut keeps a tight control over overt articulations of expressions, so that when the outbursts happen they've a whiplash effect on the audience. She is a hugely expressive actress with a phemomenal ability to convey torment, hurt and incredulity through the eyes, Kangana is the first female performer of Bollywood since Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi who isn't scared to strip her soul naked for the camera’’.[4] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave the film a rating of 3.5 (out of 5) and called it a ‘‘cinematic experience’’. He wrote, ‘‘Woh Lamhe is a well-made emotional film that lingers in your memory even after it's over’’. Praising Ranaut's performance he further wrote, ‘‘Kangana gets the role of a lifetime in her second film itself and the actor sinks her teeth into it and delivers an astounding performance. If you've ever interacted with Parveen Babi, even briefly, you'd see a replica of the glamorous star in Kangana’’.[5] Gullu Singh of Rediff awarded the film 3.5 stars (out of 5) and wrote, ‘‘The film works because the protagonist, Sana (Kangana Ranaut) has acted so brilliantly that you feel the presence of Parveen Babi from the 1970s. If there is one reason you need to watch Woh Lamhe, it is Kangana Ranaut. She is a brilliant, outstanding actress’’.[6]
Rajeev Masand in his review wrote, ‘‘Woh Lamhe is impressive in the manner in which it straddles a mainstream sensibility with such rare understanding; Remember to carry a handkerchief, or you’ll embarrass yourself with your tears’’. Praising the performances of the lead actors he further wrote, ‘‘Ranaut is remarkable as she attacks a complex role with all the right moves and Ahuja makes his presence felt in every single scene that he’s in, his performance is delectable to say the least. These actors pump life into their roles and together with Pritam’s soothing score they make Woh Lamhe an experience that’s hard to forget’’.[7] Anupama Chopra of India Today wrote, ‘‘Woh Lamhe holds interest because it has a taut script and fine performances’’. Praising the performances of Ahuja and Ranaut she further wrote, ‘‘Ahuja is superbly restrained, his eyes convey the doom built into this relationship and Ranaut's performance has attitude; she is not afraid to be ugly or emotionally naked. Suri uses both ably to retell a familiar story persuasively’’.[8] In a 2021 interview, film critic Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion called Ranaut's performance in the film ‘‘excellent’’ and stated, ‘‘In Woh Lamhe, Ranaut takes a piece of her soul and gives it to the audience’’.[9]
Filmfare listed Woh Lamhe... as one of the ten movies of Ranaut that showcased her class as an actor. They wrote, ‘‘Playing a schizophrenic, Kangana accurately depicted the trauma of the actress as her personal life went down the dumps along with her career’’.[10] The New Indian Express listed the film as one of the ten must-watch films of Ranaut.[11] Koimoi listed Woh Lamhe... as one of the ten film which will lose their charm without Ranaut's presence.[12] CNN-IBN listed Ranaut's performance in Woh Lamhe... as one of her seven best performances and a film which made her the star that she is today.[2]
Awards
[edit]- Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – Kangana Ranaut
- Best Debut – Kangana Ranaut
Soundtrack
[edit]| Woh Lamhe | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |
| Released | 17 August 2006 |
| Genre | Feature Film soundtrack |
| Label | T-Series |
The soundtrack was composed by Pritam while the score was composed by Raju Singh. The lyrics were written by Sayeed Quadri. Pritam was accused of plagiarism by copying the tunes "Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai" which was allegedly lifted from "Tak Bisakah " by Noah,[15] and "Tu Jo Nahin" from a ghazal by Pakistani singer S. B. John sung in 1959 Pakistani film - Savera; however, later the credits were given to the original artists and some of the tunes were recreated in musical arrangements.[citation needed] KK, Shreya Ghoshal, Jawad Ahmed, Kunal Ganjawala, and Glenn John lent their voices for the album. Planet Bollywood gave a rating of 8/10 to the soundtrack.[citation needed]
| Track No | Song | Singer | Composer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Kya Mujhe Pyar Hai" | KK | Pritam |
| 2 | "Chal Chale Apne Ghar" | James | Pritam |
| 3 | "Tu Jo Nahin" I | Glenn John | Pritam |
| 4 | "So Jaoon Main" (Female) | Shreya Ghoshal | Roop Kumar Rathod |
| 5 | "Tu Jo Nahin" II | Glenn John | Pritam |
| 6 | "So Jaoon Main" (Male) | Kunal Ganjawala | Roop Kumar Rathod |
| 7 | "Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena" | Jawad Ahmed | Jawad Ahmed (tune recreated by Pritam) |
| 8 | "Kya Mujhe Pyar Hai" (Qawwali) | KK | Pritam; Sabri Brothers |
References
[edit]- ^ "Box office India-WOH LAMHE". Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
- ^ a b "7 Films That Made Kangana Ranaut the Star That She Is". CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 7 December 2018. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
- ^ "Complete list of winners of Filmfare Awards 2007". The Times of India. 27 September 2021. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ Jha, Subhash K. "Woh Lamhe". Sify. Archived from the original on 11 April 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ "Woh Lamhe Review by Taran Adarsh". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ "Watch Woh Lamhe for Kangana". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 10 May 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ "Masand's verdict: Woh Lamhe | Rajeev Masand – movies that matter : from bollywood, hollywood and everywhere else". Rajeev Masand. Archived from the original on 25 June 2019. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ Anupama Chopra (16 October 2006). "Movie review: Woh Lamhe starring Shiney Ahuja, Kangana Ranaut". India Today. Archived from the original on 25 June 2019. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ Rangan, Baradwaj. "Kangana Ranaut On What Made Jayalalitha Unique". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
- ^ "Kangana Ranaut's Movies that Showcased her Class as an Actor". Filmfare. 23 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ "Happy birthday Kangana Ranaut: Check out 10 must watch films of the Bollywood 'Queen'". The New Indian Express. 23 March 2020. Archived from the original on 14 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ "Happy Birthday Kangana Ranaut: 10 Films Which Would Lose Their Charm Without The 'Queen Of Bollywood'". Koimoi. 23 March 2020. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ "Complete list of winners of Filmfare Awards 2007". The Times of India. 27 September 2021. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ "All Filmfare Awards Winners From 1953 to 2020". Filmfare. 27 September 2021. Archived from the original on 4 February 2018. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ "Song plagiarized by Indian musician, Peterpan filed a lawsuit". Detik.com (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 5 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
External links
[edit]
Woh Lamhe...
View on GrokipediaBackground and development
Inspiration
The film Woh Lamhe... draws its core inspiration from the tumultuous real-life relationship between filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and the late actress Parveen Babi, which served as the emotional foundation for the characters Aditya Garewal and Sana Azim. Bhatt has openly discussed how his intense romantic involvement with Babi in the late 1970s and early 1980s profoundly influenced the narrative, capturing the highs of passion amid the devastating lows of her deteriorating mental health. This bond, marked by Bhatt's attempts to support Babi through her escalating paranoia and isolation, mirrored the story's exploration of unconditional love tested by unseen afflictions.[8] Central to the inspiration is Babi's battle with paranoid schizophrenia, diagnosed in the early 1980s, which led to vivid hallucinations and a profound withdrawal from public life and the Bollywood industry. Bhatt recounted harrowing incidents, such as finding Babi armed with a knife, convinced that conspirators were bugging her room and plotting to kill her by dropping a chandelier, highlighting the delusions that fractured her reality. These experiences, coupled with her refusal of treatment and growing seclusion—exemplified by her relocation to the United States and eventual return to Mumbai in isolation—shaped the film's portrayal of mental illness as an insidious force eroding personal and professional spheres. Babi's condition also exacerbated pressures from Bollywood's demanding environment, where her stardom clashed with her vulnerability, contributing to the breakdown of their relationship as Bhatt grappled with his own emotional exhaustion.[9][10] The project was catalyzed by Babi's untimely death on January 20, 2005, from multiple organ failure and diabetes complications, discovered three days later in her Mumbai apartment, which left Bhatt reflecting deeply on their shared history and the unresolved pain it evoked. Mahesh Bhatt channeled this personal turmoil into the film, viewing it as a cathartic outlet rather than a literal recounting. To distance it from a straightforward biopic, he and director Mohit Suri fictionalized elements, emphasizing universal themes of love's resilience against mental illness and the entertainment industry's toll, while avoiding direct biographical claims. This approach allowed the story to resonate beyond their specific saga, focusing on emotional authenticity over factual precision.[11][12]Pre-production
Following Parveen Babi's death in January 2005, Mahesh Bhatt conceived the story for Woh Lamhe... as a personal tribute, drawing from their past relationship to capture intimate and turbulent moments while framing it as a fictional narrative.[13] Mohit Suri was attached as director, building on his prior collaboration with Vishesh Films on the thriller Zeher (2005), which marked his directorial debut under the Bhatt banner.[14] The script was developed collaboratively by Bhatt, Suri, and screenwriter Shagufta Rafique, with Bhatt providing the story and Suri and Rafique shaping the narrative structure; it emphasized emotional authenticity by incorporating raw psychological depth inspired by real events, but altered names, timelines, and specifics to present a dramatized tale of love and mental fragility rather than a direct biography.[12][15] Produced under Vishesh Films by Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt, the project was budgeted at approximately ₹7.75 crores, reflecting the banner's focus on modest, content-driven productions.[16] Sony Pictures handled distribution in India, aligning with their partnerships on several Vishesh Films releases during the mid-2000s.[17] Pritam was selected as the primary music composer to craft a soundtrack of poignant ballads that mirrored the film's introspective and melancholic tone, enhancing the emotional resonance of the central romance and psychological themes.[18][19]Production
Casting
Kangana Ranaut was selected for the lead role of Sana Azim after her promising debut in Gangster (2006), with director Mohit Suri and producer Mahesh Bhatt recognizing her potential to handle the demanding portrayal of a character grappling with schizophrenia.[20] Ranaut's preparation emphasized authenticity, initially involving research into the real-life inspiration Parveen Babi's experiences, though she ultimately focused on interpreting the script's nuances under guidance from Suri and Bhatt to avoid mimicry.[21] The role proved emotionally taxing, leading to periods of isolation and depression for Ranaut during production, as she immersed herself in the character's psychological turmoil.[21] Shiney Ahuja was Mohit Suri's first and unwavering choice for the role of Aditya Garewal, selected for his proven ability to convey intense emotional depth, as demonstrated in films like Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003).[22] Suri praised Ahuja's acting prowess and their strong working rapport, ensuring the character's supportive yet tormented dynamic aligned with the film's focus on emotional authenticity.[22] Supporting roles were filled to complement the central narrative's sensitivity toward mental health. Shaad Randhawa made his acting debut as Nikhil Rai, bringing a fresh presence to the ensemble.[23][4] Purab Kohli was cast as Sam, adding layered interpersonal dynamics.[23] Minor roles, including the psychiatrist, were assigned to experienced performers to maintain a grounded depiction of therapy and support systems.[1] The casting process faced hurdles in securing actors committed to a sensitive exploration of mental illness, avoiding sensationalism in line with Suri's vision for raw emotional realism inspired by real events.[21] Ranaut participated in directed sessions with the creative team to refine her approach, ensuring the portrayal respected the complexities of schizophrenia without exaggeration.[21]Filming
Principal photography for Woh Lamhe... took place in 2006. Cinematographer Bobby Singh's work contributed to the film's intense and immersive visual style, enhancing the psychological depth of the narrative.[24] Editing was handled by Akiv Ali, who finalized the runtime at 132 minutes after addressing the complexities of the intense sequences, such as the stabbing incident, which required careful pacing to maintain emotional impact without overwhelming the audience. The post-production process ensured a cohesive flow between the dramatic and hallucinatory elements.[25][7][6]Plot
The film begins with a woman in a hotel room. She goes to the bathroom and slits her wrists in an attempt to kill herself. That woman is later revealed to be Sana Azim (Kangana Ranaut), a famous Bollywood actress. When this news reaches filmmaker Aditya Pankaj Garewal (Shiney Ahuja), he is devastated. Aditya has been searching for Sana, who was intensely involved with him and who had mysteriously disappeared from his life without any explanation three years ago, only to surface now in what could be the last moments of her life.[26] As Aditya waits outside the ICU alongside his friend Sam (Purab Kohli), praying to be reunited with her, he has a flashback of moments spent with her three years ago. Sana had achieved stardom while Aditya was a struggling film director. He spots Sana at a fashion show, where he rebukes her for being ugly inside-out. He insults her to the point where she throws her underwear at him, thus garnering media attention. Nikhil (Shaad Randhawa), her abusive boyfriend, scolds her and rapes her. Sana's mother also scolds her for this act. Sana agrees at first to work with Aditya for his film, but later she declines as she is bound by a contract. However, she breaks free from Nikhil's misery and agrees to work with Aditya. Aditya starts shooting his film. During the shoot, both become close to each other. During the last day of the shoot, Sana tearfully says that she will miss him and the memories spent during the shoot. Aditya compares those memories to the sand castles on the beach by saying that those sand castles remain in our memories forever even though they are knocked down by the waves. During the film premiere, both fall in love with each other. One day, Sana spots a girl forcefully entering her hotel room. She tells Aditya that a girl named Rani (Masumeh Makhija) entered the room. However, through the CCTV footage, there was no girl who entered. It is later revealed that Sana is a patient with schizophrenia who has excessive hallucinations of Rani, who doesn't even exist, which gradually ruins both Sana's life and career. When Aditya realizes that the only way he can save Sana from total devastation is to take her away from Bollywood and the vested interests that threaten to destroy her completely, he kidnaps her from the hospital, thus putting his career on the line. Aditya tries his best to bring Sana back on track, but in vain. She secretly stops taking her medication. During her birthday party, she faces her hallucinations once again and stabs Aditya. One day, suddenly, she disappears, leaving him with unanswered questions. Aditya is shocked. Meanwhile, Nikhil and the police reach the place and take Aditya. Nikhil asks him in anger about Sana's whereabouts, to which Aditya repeatedly answers that he doesn't know. Back in the present, Aditya is told that Sana has very little time and wants to meet him. They both profess their love for each other, and she breathes her last. Nikhil asks him what he will do next, to which Aditya replies that he doesn't know. The film ends with Aditya reminiscing about her on a beach. He spots some children making sand castles and remembers his metaphor. He goes and makes castles with them.[26]Cast
- Kangana Ranaut as Sana Azim[1]
- Shiney Ahuja as Aditya Pankaj Garewal[1]
- Shaad Randhawa as Nikhil Rai[1]
- Masumeh Makhija as Rani[1]
- Purab Kohli as Sam / Sammy[1]
Music
Soundtrack
The soundtrack album for Woh Lamhe... was released on August 17, 2006, by T-Series, prior to the film's theatrical debut.[27] Primarily composed by Pritam Chakraborty, the album features lyrics primarily by Sayeed Quadri, with "So Jaoon Main" by Shakeel Azmi, blending romantic and melancholic themes to complement the film's narrative of love and obsession.[28][29] Additional contributions to composition came from Roop Kumar Rathod and Jawad Ahmed for specific songs.[27] The album consists of seven tracks, including solo and duet renditions that emphasize emotional depth through varied vocal styles:| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Composer | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Kya Mujhe Pyar Hai" | KK | Pritam | 4:23 |
| 2 | "Chal Chale" | James | Pritam | 3:19 |
| 3 | "Tu Jo Nahin" | Glenn John | Pritam | 6:14 |
| 4 | "So Jaoon Main" (Female version) | Shreya Ghoshal | Pritam, Roop Kumar Rathod | 6:16 |
| 5 | "Tu Jo Nahin II" | Glenn John | Pritam | 3:15 |
| 6 | "So Jaoon Main" (Male version) | Kunal Ganjawala | Pritam, Roop Kumar Rathod | 6:16 |
| 7 | "Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena" | Jawad Ahmed | Jawad Ahmed | 4:07 |
Background score
The background score for Woh Lamhe... was composed by Raju Singh, marking his collaboration with director Mohit Suri on this emotional thriller. Singh utilized piano and strings prominently to heighten the film's intimate and tense moments, particularly in sequences depicting hallucinations and psychological strain.[33] Central to the score are recurring motifs, including melancholic piano-led themes that trace the protagonist Sana's gradual mental decline, contrasted with swelling string arrangements that build suspense toward the climax.[33] These elements create a reflective tone, balancing the narrative's romantic and thriller aspects without dominating the visual storytelling. The score was developed and recorded in Mumbai studios following the completion of Pritam’s soundtrack songs, then integrated during post-production editing to align seamlessly with the film's 130-minute runtime.[4] This synchronization enhances the overall atmosphere, allowing the instrumental layers to subtly amplify emotional depth and tension.Release
Distribution
Woh Lamhe... was released on September 29, 2006, marking its worldwide theatrical rollout primarily in India.[34] Produced under the banner of Vishesh Films by Mukesh Bhatt, the film's marketing campaign focused on trailers that spotlighted Kangana Ranaut's intense performance as the troubled actress Sana Azim, alongside posters capturing the emotional intensity of the romantic drama. Promotional tie-ins were coordinated with the launch of its soundtrack album to build anticipation among audiences.[35] The film received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after some cuts owing to its depiction of mature themes surrounding mental illness and schizophrenia.[36] International distribution was limited, reflecting the film's niche appeal as a character-driven drama; it featured screenings at select film festivals, including the 6th Kara Film Festival in Karachi, Pakistan, where it garnered an enthusiastic audience response alongside other Indian entries.[37]Box office
Woh Lamhe... earned ₹2.68 crores nett in its opening weekend in India, a performance impacted by competition from other major releases at the time.[6] The film's total nett collection in India stood at approximately ₹6.8 crores, contributing to a worldwide gross of ₹9.56 crores.[6] Despite this, it was declared a commercial flop at the box office due to failing to recover its production costs through theatrical earnings alone.[6] The adjusted nett gross, accounting for inflation, reached ₹14.97 crores.[6]Reception
Critical response
Upon its release, Woh Lamhe... garnered generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its emotional intensity and strong performances, particularly Kangana Ranaut's depiction of a troubled actress grappling with schizophrenia. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama rated the film 3.5 out of 5, highlighting its well-crafted narrative and emotional depth that leaves a lasting impact on viewers.[24] Ranaut's performance emerged as a major highlight, with Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com describing it as brilliant and the primary reason to watch the film, noting how she effectively channels vulnerability and intensity reminiscent of Parveen Babi.[38] Similarly, Rajeev Masand commended Ranaut for her excellent portrayal, stating that she brings remarkable life to the central character in an unforgettable manner.[39] While some critics pointed to the plot's predictable elements drawn from real-life inspirations, they still lauded the taut scripting and overall execution. Anupama Chopra of India Today appreciated the fine performances by the leads and the script's ability to sustain interest through its dramatic tension.[40] Aggregate ratings from major Indian outlets averaged around 3 to 3.5 out of 5, reflecting appreciation for the film's bold exploration of love and mental health despite occasional narrative familiarity.Audience and commercial legacy
Upon its release, Woh Lamhe... elicited a mixed response from audiences, who found its exploration of schizophrenia, fame, and tragic romance too intense and unconventional for mainstream tastes, contributing to its status as a box office flop with lifetime nett collections of approximately ₹6.80 crore in India.[6][41] Despite the initial lukewarm reception, the film gradually cultivated a dedicated following through television airings and availability on streaming services, where viewers increasingly valued Kangana Ranaut's raw depiction of a tormented actress descending into mental illness.[42] In retrospective analyses, Woh Lamhe... has been recognized as an underrated entry in 2000s Bollywood cinema, particularly for Ranaut's transformative performance, which captured the nuances of paranoid schizophrenia in a manner described as compelling and relatively accurate.[43] Publications such as Filmfare have included it in lists of films showcasing her acting prowess, highlighting its tribute to Parveen Babi's life and its emotional depth.[44] Similarly, Koimoi has noted the film as one that would lose its essential charm without Ranaut's presence, underscoring her central role in its enduring appeal.[45] The film's portrayal of mental health struggles has left a lasting impact, sparking broader conversations about schizophrenia and celebrity vulnerability in Indian cinema, a theme rarely addressed with such candor at the time.[43] In the 2020s, it has featured in anniversary retrospectives and "best performances" compilations, cementing its status as a significant, if overlooked, work in Ranaut's career that continues to resonate with audiences seeking authentic narratives on psychological turmoil.[46]Awards and nominations
At the 52nd Filmfare Awards held in 2007, Kangana Ranaut won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for her performances in Gangster and Woh Lamhe....[47] The film received several nominations at the Zee Cine Awards 2007, including:- Best Female Debut – Kangana Ranaut (won)[48]
- Best Playback Singer – Female – Shreya Ghoshal (for "Chup Chup Ke")[5]
- Best Music Director – Pritam Chakraborty[5]