“I Remember Being Heartbroken”: Madhavan Reflects On The Initial Failure Of RHTDM At IFFI 2024

Actor R. Madhavan, attending the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa for the premiere of his film Hisaab Barabar, reflected on his iconic movie Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM), which was re-released in August to mark its 25th anniversary.

Produced by Vashu Bhagnani’s Pooja Entertainment, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein starred Madhavan, Dia Mirza, and Saif Ali Khan. The film marked the Bollywood debut of Madhavan and Dia.

Speaking to ANI, Madhavan recalled feeling “heartbroken” when the movie initially flopped but expressed happiness that it eventually became a cult classic. He noted how special it was to see the film earn more during its re-release than it did upon its original release.

“When it first released, it didn’t do well; it was a flop. So I remember being heartbroken. I had gone to all the temples and made sure I had left no stone unturned to make the film the way it was supposed to, but it was heartbreaking. Little did I realize that fortune and fate had a big story for me. It (re)released after 25 years and made more money than it did originally. It’s wonderful to be recognised for doing a film 25 years later,” Madhavan said.

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Released in 2001, the romantic drama was directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and was a remake of his Tamil film Minnale, released the same year. Rumors of a sequel to RHTDM surfaced online a few years ago, but Madhavan refuted them in 2020. The film’s soundtrack, featuring hits like Sach Keh Raha Hai, Dil Ko Tumse, and Zara Zara, remains beloved by audiences.

Madhavan also shared a unique observation about his movies, highlighting the success of films involving romantic scenes on trains.

“Whenever I have done romance on the train, the films have done really good. Alai Payuthey, which was my first film with Mani Ratnam, the original of Saathiya, and from there to Tanu Weds Manu–wherever we had trains, the film has done well for us,” he said.

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Meanwhile, IFFI 2024, which commenced on November 20, is showcasing over 180 international films from 81 countries. The festival features 16 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 43 Asian premieres, and 109 Indian premieres.

Additionally, IFFI is paying tribute to Indian cinema legends Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and Mohammed Rafi on their 100th birth anniversaries.

The 55th edition of IFFI will conclude on November 28.

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