On June 5, 2025, Dil Dhadakne Do, the beloved Hindi family comedy-drama, marked its 10th anniversary since its theatrical release in 2015. Directed by Zoya Akhtar and produced by Excel Entertainment, the film features an ensemble cast—Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, and Farhan Akhtar—with Aamir Khan’s voiceover as Pluto, the family dog. Set on a luxurious Mediterranean cruise celebrating the Mehra family’s 30th wedding anniversary, it explores dysfunctional family dynamics, love, and self-discovery. Fans can stream it on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video to relive its magic.
In This Article:
A Groundbreaking Family Drama
Zoya Akhtar crafted Dil Dhadakne Do to portray a realistic sibling bond between Ayesha (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) and Kabir (Ranveer Singh), steering away from Bollywood’s melodramatic tropes. Co-written with Reema Kagti, with dialogues by Farhan Akhtar, the film delves into the affluent Mehra family’s struggles—Kamal (Anil Kapoor) and Neelam’s (Shefali Shah) strained marriage, Ayesha’s loveless union, and Kabir’s dreams of becoming a pilot. The cruise setting, captured by Carlos Catalan’s stunning visuals, serves as a metaphor for emotional entrapment, earning praise for its wit and emotional depth.
Star-Studded Performances and Accolades
The film’s ensemble cast delivered standout performances, with Anil Kapoor winning Best Supporting Actor at the 2016 Filmfare and Screen Awards, and the cast securing Best Ensemble Cast at the Screen Awards. Critics lauded Priyanka’s nuanced portrayal of Ayesha’s vulnerability and Ranveer’s vibrant Kabir, with Shefali Shah’s expressive performance stealing hearts. Aamir Khan’s narration as Pluto added a unique, humorous perspective, though some, per IMDb reviews, found it expository. The soundtrack by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, featuring hits like “Gallan Goodiyaan” (a single-take masterpiece) and “Pehli Baar,” remains iconic.
Box Office and Cultural Impact
Upon release, Dil Dhadakne Do grossed ₹1.45 billion globally against an ₹850 million budget, with a strong ₹675 million opening weekend, including ₹195 million overseas, per Wikipedia. It debuted at number 9 in the UK box office, a rare feat for an Indian film. Critics like Rajeev Masand gave it 3 stars, praising its humor but noting its leisurely pace and abrupt climax. The film’s exploration of modern Indian family dynamics—gender roles, marriage pressures, and self-determination—resonates across generations, making it a comfort watch.
Celebrating a Milestone
Anil Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar marked the 10th anniversary with nostalgic Instagram posts, with Anil calling it a film that “gets younger” and Farhan sharing a video of cherished moments, captioned, “Celebrating 10 years of laughter, love, and family ties.” Tiger Baby Films’ post, featuring a compass symbolizing “Family, Love, Truth, Freedom,”.
-By Manoj H