Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who is currently basking in the success of his latest release Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to audiences for their overwhelming support during the festive Diwali weekend. Rane also urged fans to extend the same enthusiasm toward Ayushmann Khurrana’s horror-comedy Thamma, which hit theatres on the same day.
Harshvardhan Rane on Supporting “Outsiders”
During a promotional visit to a theatre in Gujarat alongside his co-star Sonam Bajwa, Rane thanked fans for showing love to both films and reflected on the larger conversation around nepotism in Bollywood.
He said,
“This Diwali, you supported the films of two outsiders. Ayushmann Khurrana’s film has released along with mine. Watch both the films, please, and enjoy both. This sends a good message out — aap logon ne akele poora Bollywood se nepotism hi khatm kar diya (you people alone finished nepotism from the entire Bollywood).”
His remarks quickly gained traction online, with fans appreciating his sportsmanship and solidarity toward fellow actors who carved their careers without film family connections.
Diwali Box Office Success
Both Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat and Thamma were released on October 21, turning the Diwali weekend into a celebration for audiences and filmmakers alike.
- Thamma, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, has amassed ₹78 crore net in India and ₹110 crore gross worldwide.
- Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, a romantic drama headlined by Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa, has crossed ₹45 crore worldwide, marking a strong performance for a mid-scale production.
Rane, speaking after the screening, also invited viewers to revisit the film with their families.
“I hope you like it. And those of you in your family who haven’t watched it yet, please come again with them,” he told the crowd.
Changing Bollywood Dynamics
The success of both films, led by self-made actors, has reignited discussions about changing audience preferences and the evolving nature of Bollywood’s power structures. As both movies continue their theatrical runs, fans and critics alike see this as a hopeful sign of balance — where talent, not lineage, determines success.
