Mumbai: When Highway was released in 2014, it became a special film that touched people’s hearts. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the movie was a journey full of emotions, growth, and freedom. It gave Alia Bhatt a chance to prove herself as an actor beyond her glamorous debut in Student of the Year.
How Highway Changed Alia Bhatt’s Career
In Highway, Alia plays Veera, a young woman who finds freedom during a road trip with her kidnapper. Her performance was raw, emotional, and deeply moving. It surprised everyone and showed her ability to take on serious, challenging roles. Critics praised her acting, and she even won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress. This film changed her image in Bollywood and opened doors to more meaningful projects.
Imtiaz originally wanted to cast an older actress for the film, but he changed his mind after meeting Alia at the screening of Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. In an interview with Mid-Day, Imtiaz said, “Her emotional quotient was very high, and I was drawn to talk to her.” He added, “I always wanted to cast a slightly elder actress, like a woman of at least 30. I didn’t want to cast a more mature woman who’s had experiences of the type that she was going to talk about in the film. Aishwarya Rai without any makeup would be a great choice.”
In an earlier interaction with Mukesh Chhabra on his Mashable India show, Imtiaz Ali had revealed how the film’s unit wasn’t convinced with Alia Bhatt’s potential to carry the film. He said “I asked if she (Alia) read the script. She was a bit overwhelmed and felt it was too much to do. She had an issue that she was there in every scene. Alia was a very unexpected actor for Highway and the unit was not convinced about how she would do this role. So, to convince them I made her tell the story in her way. By the end, everyone was like nobody else could do this role but Alia.”
Why Fans Loved Highway
Highway wasn’t just a movie; it was an experience. The story about Veera’s journey of self-discovery, the soulful music by A.R. Rahman, and the stunning views of India’s countryside made the film unforgettable. Fans especially loved Veera’s emotional monologues about freedom and her struggles. The film’s honest portrayal of trauma and healing connected with many viewers.
Highway wasn’t a typical blockbuster, but it did well for a niche film. Made on a budget of Rs. 25 crore, it earned around Rs. 50 crore worldwide. While not a huge commercial hit, its emotional impact was massive. Even today, Highway remains a favorite on streaming platforms, introducing new audiences to Alia’s powerful performance.
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