Highway turns 7: Interesting and unknown facts about Alia Bhatt & Randeep Hooda starrer that you must know

Alia Bhatt is one of the most talented actresses in B-Town. In her career spanning over 8 years, she has given many hits films. One film that not only proves her versatility but also established her as the leading lady in Bollywood is her 2014 release Highway. Imtiaz Ali’s directorial was her second film after her debut Student Of The Year. The Gully Boy actress went all de-glam for the Highway and won zillions of hearts with her outstanding portrayal of Veera Tripathi.  

Also starring Randeep Hooda in the lead role, the movie depicted the story of Veera Tripathi – a shy and timid girl from Delhi who suddenly discovers herself and enjoys freedom after being kidnapped by Mahabir Bhati (Randeep Hooda) and his accomplices. As the kidnappers move her from one location to another in the Mountains of Northern India, she starts enjoying her life and shares a special bond with Mahabir. The film not just did amazing business at the box office but also gained critical acclamation. As Highway completes 7 years of its release today, the cast and crew of the film take the trip down memory lane and recall their memories attached to the film. In fact, netizens are also celebrating the milestone on social media.

Besides, power-packed script, Alia and Randeep’s terrific performances and their chemistry, the dialogues of Highway also impressed moviebuffs. However, there are some interesting and unknown facts about the film that all Highway film fans must know. Check it out below.

1. Highway is based on Stockholm syndrome

Imtiaz Ali’s road drama is said to be based on Stockholm syndrome- a condition that causes hostages to develop a psychological alliance with their captors as a survival strategy during captivity. Stockholm syndrome consists of strong emotional ties that develop between two persons where one person intermittently harasses, beats, threatens, abuses, or intimidates the other. Alia Bhatt also develops this while traveling with Randeep Hooda. She develops a strong bond with the actor and towards the end of the film, Alia is seen leaving the house as she decides to live in the mountains.

2. Imtiaz Ali wanted older actress for the film

All those who have watched the highway would agree that Alia Bhatt was indeed the perfect choice for the film. She pulled off all possible means to get into the skin of her role and needless to say, she did the full justice to it. But do you know Imtiaz Ali was looking out for an older actress to match up with Randeep Hooda. 

3. The film was planned without any songs

Highway was originally planned without any songs. Reportedly, music legend when A R Rahman heard the story he expressed his desire to be part of the project. Imtiaz Ali stated that he wasn’t even thinking of A R Rahman to score for this film. However, after reading the script Rahman agreed to score. The songs of the film paved the way to its success. 

4. Highway, a remake of television film series

Imtiaz Ali's Highway was a remake of one episode of his own Zee TV series Rishtey, which he made 14 years ago. Talking about the same, the ace filmmaker had said, "Some years ago, I made a half-hour episode for a TV series and that's where I first got a hint for this story. And over time, it changed form and genres until I just gave up. And then it all settled down to this journey of two characters. As for the central female lead, I thought I would cast someone with some experience of life, someone who had probably been through some relationships.”

5.  Highway script was written during the journey

It is said that Imtiaz, who wanted to tell a real story, went on locations for Highway with no script. He told producer Sajid Nadiadwala that all he really wanted to do was to tell a story of a journey undertaken by a man and a woman with a past. The script of the film was written out during the journey.

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