Avinash Tiwary on Laila Majnu success: ‘We got love stories back to cinemas’

Avinash Tiwary. Pics/Instagram, Youtube

Avinash Tiwary's first romantic drama, Laila Majnu (2018), found a cult following, becoming a box office hit upon its re-release in 2024. Now, as the actor is returning to the genre with Ginny Wedss Sunny 2, he is convinced the genre hasn't failed - instead the audience has been trained to think that romantic and family dramas belong on OTT.

"When Laila Majnu was coming, the conversation about OTT had started. [The idea was that] there is a certain kind of experience you want to see in cinemas, and apparently [love stories] could be viewed on OTT. But what I have realised is that if a film creates a wholesome experience, people will step out and watch one film a month," insisted Tiwary.

A still from the film

The actor followed up his belief with a quick analogy. "We have food delivery apps. That doesn't mean we don't go to the restaurants."

Armed with that belief, Tiwary and Medha Shankr are bringing Ginny Wedss Sunny 2 to theatres this week. "When you go with your family to the theatre, this film will hit different," he said, before promising the same magic of Laila Majnu. "At the risk and liberty of self-importance, I can say that we got love stories back to cinemas [with Laila Majnu]. Now we'll get families back to cinemas."

Last year, Hollywood actor Reese Witherspoon noted that the decline of rom-coms over the last 15 years has negatively affected modern dating culture. While Tiwary agreed with her, he was confident that desire hasn't changed. "There are enough people who are not on dating apps, who are finding dates on Instagram. But the core stays the same. We are all looking for love."

When love won at the box office

‘Saiyaara'

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‘Laila Majnu' re-release