'Everybody knows him': Imtiaz Ali appreciates Diljit Dosanjh's poster appeal for drawing audiences to 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'

While 'Main Vaapas Aaunga,' starring Sharvari, Vedang Raina, Diljit Dosanjh and Naseeruddin Shah may not have arrived with a blockbuster opening, director

Imtiaz Ali

believes the film's journey has only just begun. The filmmaker is optimistic that audience appreciation and positive conversations will help the period romance find its footing in theatres over the coming weeks.

Imtiaz Ali acknowledged that Diljit Dosanjh's immense popularity played a significant role in drawing attention to the project.Although the central romance revolves around the characters played by Vedang and Sharvari, the director knew that Diljit's presence would naturally generate curiosity among audiences.In a conversation with Hindustan Times, the director shared, “I had no doubt that both these actors will be able to headline this story well, but I also knew that on the poster, there is also Diljit.

Everybody in the world knows him and they are interested to see what he’s doing. I was sure that there was going to be a poster appeal because Diljit is there."With a successful career spanning music, cinema and international performances, Diljit has emerged as one of India's most globally recognised entertainers. His involvement in 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' became a talking point from the moment the film was announced.

Audience curiosity around Diljit Dosanjh

Following the success of projects such as 'Amar Singh Chamkila,' viewers have shown increasing interest in Diljit's choice of roles. Imtiaz suggested that audiences are often eager to see what the actor does next, making him a valuable addition to any film's promotional narrative. For 'Main Vaapas Aaunga,' that curiosity translated into greater visibility, particularly among younger viewers and Diljit's dedicated fan base across India and overseas markets.

Imtiaz Ali was prepared for a slow opening

Despite positive reviews and audience reactions, the film did not register massive numbers during its opening days. However, Imtiaz revealed that he never expected the film to behave like a conventional commercial entertainer driven solely by star power.Instead, he always believed the film would rely heavily on audience recommendations and emotional resonance to build momentum over time.“If it is good, people would go and tell other people to watch it, and that’s the only way this film is going to progress.

Hopefully it will continue to grow and strengthen itself."The filmmaker's confidence stems from the belief that stories with strong emotional foundations often enjoy longer theatrical runs through sustained word-of-mouth.

Imtiaz Ali on younger audiences connecting with the film

Imtiaz also expressed happiness about the response coming from younger moviegoers. According to him, it is encouraging to see a new generation engaging with a story rooted in history, love and displacement.

The director observed that there is often a disconnect between critical appreciation and commercial performance, but he remains hopeful that films like 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' can gradually bridge that gap through audience support.

Encouraging signs at the box office

After a modest opening, the film has started showing signs of growth. On its seventh day in theatres, 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' reportedly earned Rs 2.20 crore, registering a healthy jump from the previous day's collections.The increase suggests that positive feedback from viewers may be helping the film attract fresh audiences. Whether this momentum continues through the coming weekend remains to be seen, but the upward trend has certainly offered encouragement to the makers.

A story set against the backdrop of the Partition of India in 1947

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' explores themes of love, separation and longing against the backdrop of one of the most defining chapters in Indian history. The film stars Sharvari and Vedang Raina as lovers separated by Partition, while Diljit Dosanjh and Naseeruddin Shah play crucial roles that connect generations through memory and emotion. As the film continues its theatrical run, Imtiaz Ali remains confident that audience conversations will determine its ultimate fate.

For the filmmaker, the greatest strength of 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' lies not in opening-day numbers but in the ability of its story to stay with viewers long after they leave the theatre.