When “Haseen Dillruba” hit Netflix on July 2, 2021, it immediately captivated audiences with its daring blend of romance and thriller elements. Directed by Vinil Mathew and written by Kanika Dhillon, this 2021 Hindi-language film was an intriguing mix of dark romance and gripping suspense that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Hasseen Dillruba
The story begins with a shocking and tragic explosion at the home of Rani (played by Taapsee Pannu), a seemingly ordinary housewife. The blast allegedly claims the life of her husband, Rishab “Rishu” Saxena, and leaves behind a charred body. The investigation, led by Inspector Kishore Rawat (Aditya Srivastava), reveals a complex web of lies, deceit, and hidden motives.
As the narrative unfolds, the film takes us back to Rani and Rishu’s arranged marriage, which started off with tension and awkwardness. Rishu, portrayed by Vikrant Massey, is an affable but nervous husband who struggles with the intimacy of their relationship. Rani, on the other hand, was forced into the marriage after her previous relationship fell apart. This leads to an emotionally charged and rocky start.
The plot thickens when Rani meets Neel Tripathi, Rishu’s charming cousin played by Harshvardhan Rane. Rani finds herself drawn to Neel, and their affair adds a layer of intensity to the story. Neel’s fear of commitment and sudden departure leave Rani heartbroken and lead her to reveal the truth to Rishu, which sets off a chain of violent and dramatic events.
As the police delve into Rani’s past and present, they uncover a tangled mess of love, betrayal, and revenge. The film oscillates between the past and present, unveiling the tumultuous relationship between Rani, Rishu, and Neel.
The film’s climax reveals a meticulously crafted plot to cover up Rishu’s death. In a desperate attempt to escape justice, Rani and Rishu concoct a scheme involving rigged gas stoves and a severed hand to mislead the investigation. This shocking twist is unveiled when the police inspector, years later, connects the dots after reading a murder-thriller book that echoes the real-life events.
“Haseen Dillruba” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its bold narrative and performances, especially by Pannu, while others found the plot convoluted. Despite this, it emerged as Netflix’s most-watched Hindi film of 2021, climbing into the top 10 in 22 countries.
The film’s unique blend of romance and thriller, combined with its dramatic storytelling and unexpected twists, made it a standout. On August 9, 2024, a sequel, “Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba,” premiered, continuing the gripping saga of love and betrayal.
The journey of “Haseen Dillruba” began with screenwriter Kanika Dhillon approaching Vinil Mathew with a script that explored the darker aspects of human relationships. Mathew, known for his romantic comedy “Hasee Toh Phasee,” was intrigued by the script’s darker tones and agreed to direct. Principal photography, initially set to start in January 2020, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but wrapped up in October 2020.
“Haseen Dillruba” is a cinematic rollercoaster that challenges conventional romantic narratives with its dark, thrilling twists. With standout performances and a gripping storyline, it remains a memorable film in contemporary Indian cinema, showcasing the complexities of love and deception in a truly unique way.
