Anshul Garg, the producer of the recently released film Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, has spoken about the challenges of releasing his film alongside the Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna starrer, Thamma. In an exclusive interview, Garg revealed that he was fully aware of the potential screen count clash with Thamma and had been advised by many to avoid releasing his film during the Diwali period, given the competition from a big commercial film.
Garg, known for founding the independent music scene in India through his labels Desi Music Factory (DMF) and Play DMF, ventured into the film industry with a vision for strong ideas, fresh talent, and emotionally connecting music. He emphasized that his decisions are driven by gut instinct and a strong belief in his work. Despite lacking a background in the film industry or any substantial backing, Garg has built his career from scratch.
The producer's concerns were valid, as reports indicated that Thamma was released on a massive scale, occupying approximately 4,000 screens across India, with over 10,000 shows. In Mumbai multiplexes, distributors of Thamma reportedly demanded aggressive show counts, potentially hampering the screen count for Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. Some reports claimed distributors were asking for as many as 33 shows in a 10-screen multiplex. This led to an uneven playing field in terms of screen allocation.
Despite these challenges, Garg remained confident in his film. He placed his trust in the story and the emotional connection it would forge with the audience. "I've always believed that when your work has honesty, it will find its audience — no matter what you're up against," Garg stated. He emphasized the importance of music and emotion in his storytelling, expressing confidence that these elements would resonate with viewers.
His conviction seems to have paid off. Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, directed by Milap Milan Zaveri and starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa, has achieved unexpected success at the box office. As of late October 2025, the film had grossed over Rs 52.25 crore, exceeding initial expectations. Garg admitted to being surprised by the enthusiastic audience reception. Prior to release, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat had already sold over 52,000 tickets in advance booking, grossing approximately Rs 1.42 crore.
Adding to the film's positive reception, director Hansal Mehta publicly congratulated Milap Zaveri on the film's success. However, this endorsement drew criticism from some who pointed to Zaveri's past works, which they considered misogynistic. Mehta defended his stance, arguing that films can both enlighten and that colleagues should be able to celebrate each other's achievements.
The success of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is particularly noteworthy considering its relatively modest budget of approximately Rs 20 crore, a fraction of Thamma's reported Rs 145 crore budget. Garg's focus on content and emotional connection, rather than relying on a superstar cast, appears to have resonated with audiences. He stated that "A film doesn't need a superstar to succeed; it needs a story that connects and actors who can live that story on screen".
