Today marks not only Shah Rukh Khan’s 59th birthday but also the release of journalist Mohar Basu’s new book, Shah Rukh Khan: Legend, Icon, Star, which reveals fascinating insights about the Bollywood classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). An excerpt from the book focuses on the iconic love story being screened continuously at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir for nearly three decades, drawing audiences from all generations.
Maratha Mandir’s Timeless Love Affair with DDLJ Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which premiered in 1995, continues to captivate audiences at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theatre. Manoj Desai, the theatre’s owner, shares in Basu’s book that he has pledged to run the film for as long as Maratha Mandir exists. “Some of the theatregoers have watched the film so many times that they know every dialogue,” Desai reveals. Despite the changing landscape of cinema, DDLJ remains firmly in the coveted 11:30 a.m. slot with tickets priced at Rs 40. Desai notes that the weekday crowds typically consist of college students and young couples, while weekends often see the theatre close to full capacity.
In 2015, a decision to discontinue the film met with public outcry, prompting Desai to reverse his plan. Since then, despite disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, DDLJ has only gained in popularity, becoming synonymous with Maratha Mandir. “Some people come with their children to show them the movie that their parents watched when they were in college. Some come with their parents to revisit the movie that was their first, at the exact place where they saw it first,” Desai explains. Why Young Audiences Keep Coming Back to DDLJ The charm of DDLJ has transcended generations, and new viewers continue to visit Maratha Mandir to experience the legendary love story. Desai is particularly fascinated by Gen Z audiences, many of whom are curious about the film's enduring appeal. “The young ones surprise me the most,” he says. “They can’t figure out what’s so charming about this film. It is not a love story that Gen Z gets. But then next week, they come again with more people and they all try to understand why. This cycle continues, and now Raj is charming to them too and Simran is cute.”
Maratha Mandir’s location opposite Bombay Central Station adds to the allure, with travellers often stopping by for a nostalgic viewing in the middle of their journeys. Desai mentions that local doctors even make time to catch parts of the film, finding comfort in its familiarity. For some, it’s simply a soothing soundtrack for an afternoon nap, set to the iconic Jatin–Lalit tune. DDLJ's Surprising Box-Office Success Even Decades Later DDLJ’s popularity is no exaggeration. Last year, on February 10, screenings of DDLJ across major multiplex chains in India – PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis – earned Rs 2.5 lakh in a single day. The next day saw a 300% surge, with earnings soaring to Rs 10 lakh, culminating in a weekend total of Rs 22.5 lakh. Originally, DDLJ amassed a global box office collection of Rs 2 billion (around $60 million), and with inflation, its earnings place it among the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time.
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