Genre: Romance/Drama
Language: Hindi
Release Date: 2019
“Kedarnath,” a 2018 Indian Hindi-language romantic disaster film directed by Abhishek Kapoor, narrates an interfaith love story set against the backdrop of the catastrophic 2013 Uttarakhand floods. The film stars Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan in lead roles, depicting the romance between a wealthy Hindu Brahmin girl, Mukku, and a Muslim porter, Mansoor. As their bond deepens, they confront societal disapproval and their contrasting backgrounds, ultimately facing the deadly floods that test their love and survival. Produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Pragya Kapoor, the film intertwines romance and disaster, highlighting the communal and environmental challenges of the region.
The production of “Kedarnath” began in June 2012, with principal photography starting on 5 September 2017. The film faced numerous hurdles, including a legal dispute between the director and the initial producers, which threatened to halt production. Despite these challenges, RSVP Movies took over the project, ensuring its completion and release. The film debuted on 7 December 2018, receiving mixed reviews. Critics praised the performances of Rajput and Khan, along with the film’s cinematography and music, but pointed out flaws in its VFX, screenplay, and overall execution. Nonetheless, “Kedarnath” achieved moderate commercial success.
The film’s release was not without controversy. Some groups accused “Kedarnath” of promoting ‘love jihad,’ leading to calls for a ban. Despite these objections, the Bombay High Court dismissed a plea to stop its release, allowing the film to proceed as planned. The marketing campaign included song releases, promotional appearances by the lead actors on reality TV shows, and several short dialogue promos. These efforts helped build anticipation and visibility for the film, culminating in a special screening for Bollywood industry figures days before its official release.