Dilwale (2015) Movie – Complete Review, Story, Cast, Songs, Box Office, and Legacy

Introduction

Bollywood has always been home to grand love stories, larger-than-life characters, and unforgettable music. Among the many films that define this tradition, Dilwale (2015) remains one of the most memorable, especially because it marked the comeback of one of cinema’s most iconic on-screen pairs – Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.

Directed by Rohit Shetty and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, Dilwale combined romance, comedy, action, and family drama in a way that appealed to a global audience. Released on 18 December 2015, the film brought together multiple generations of Bollywood fans – those who adored SRK-Kajol from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and those who were excited to see fresh young talent like Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon.

Plot Overview

At its core, Dilwale is a story of love, betrayal, family ties, and redemption.

The movie begins in Goa, where Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) lives a quiet life as a car modifier, running a garage with his younger brother Veer (Varun Dhawan). Raj, however, has a mysterious past that he keeps hidden from everyone around him.

Things take a dramatic turn when Veer falls in love with Ishita (Kriti Sanon), who happens to be the younger sister of Raj’s former lover Meera (Kajol). This revelation opens up old wounds, leading to the unveiling of Raj’s history as Kaali, a man once involved in the mafia world.

Years earlier, Kaali and Meera were deeply in love. However, a misunderstanding caused by their feuding families resulted in betrayal, heartbreak, and separation. Raj (Kaali) left his old life behind, but destiny brings him face to face with Meera once again.

The rest of the film revolves around whether love can overcome old grudges, whether Veer and Ishita’s romance can unite the two families, and if Raj and Meera will finally find closure to their turbulent past.

The film mixes action-packed sequences with lighthearted comedy (thanks to Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, and Varun Sharma) and melodious music to create a masala entertainer.

Cast and Characters

One of the film’s biggest attractions was its star-studded cast.

Main Cast

• Shah Rukh Khan as Raj/Kaali – A man with a dual personality, torn between his violent past and peaceful present. His role balances romance, action, and emotional drama.
• Kajol as Meera – Raj’s former lover who becomes his greatest rival due to family conflicts. Kajol delivers passion, intensity, and emotional depth in her comeback role.
• Varun Dhawan as Veer – Raj’s younger brother, bringing energy, charm, and comic timing to the film. His chemistry with Kriti adds freshness.
• Kriti Sanon as Ishita – A sweet, caring character who plays an important role in bridging the generational love story.

Supporting Cast

• Johnny Lever as Money Bhai – Comic relief that adds to Rohit Shetty’s signature humor.
• Sanjay Mishra as Oscar Bhai – Another hilarious character contributing to the comedy track.
• Boman Irani as King – A crime boss, bringing style and menace.
• Vinod Khanna as Randhir Bakshi – A father figure who plays a key role in the family conflict.
• Kabir Bedi as Malik – Meera’s father and a central figure in the family feud.
• Varun Sharma, Mukesh Tiwari, Pankaj Tripathi – Strong supporting roles that add flavor to the narrative.

Direction and Production

Dilwale was directed by Rohit Shetty, known for his action-comedy entertainers like Golmaal and Chennai Express. With Dilwale, he tried to merge high-octane action and slapstick comedy with emotional romance.

The film was produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment, SRK’s home production company, in collaboration with Rohit Shetty Productions.

The movie was shot in exotic locations, including Bulgaria, Iceland, and Goa, giving it a visually stunning backdrop.

Music and Soundtrack

One of Dilwale’s strongest elements was its music, composed by Pritam, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The album became a chartbuster, dominating radio and streaming platforms.

Popular Songs:

1. “Gerua” – The most iconic song of the film, featuring SRK and Kajol in breathtaking Icelandic landscapes. Sung by Arijit Singh and Antara Mitra, it became an instant classic.
2. “Janam Janam” – A soulful track depicting eternal love, beautifully picturized on SRK and Kajol.
3. “Manma Emotion Jaage” – A youthful, peppy track featuring Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon.
4. “Tukur Tukur” – A fun, energetic song perfect for celebrations.
5. “Daayre” – An emotional song highlighting heartbreak and longing.

The soundtrack played a huge role in the film’s popularity, with Gerua becoming one of the most-watched Bollywood songs on YouTube at the time.

Cinematography and Visuals

• Cinematographer: Dudley
• The film showcased breathtaking visuals, especially in the songs shot in Iceland (Gerua and Janam Janam).
• Rohit Shetty’s signature car action sequences featured grand explosions and chase scenes.
• The blend of vibrant Indian settings with international locations gave Dilwale a global appeal.

Themes and Analysis

Dilwale is more than just a love story – it brings together multiple themes that define Bollywood’s masala cinema:

1. Love and Destiny – The eternal bond between Raj and Meera reflects the power of love even after years of separation.
2. Family and Brotherhood – The relationship between Raj and Veer drives the emotional core of the film.
3. Forgiveness and Redemption – The movie highlights how misunderstandings can break relationships, but forgiveness can heal them.
4. Comedy and Action – A mix of lighthearted moments and intense stunts make it a complete entertainer.

Box Office Performance

Released during the Christmas season of 2015, Dilwale had one of the biggest openings of the year.

• India: The film grossed around ₹148 crore domestically.
• Worldwide: It crossed over ₹400 crore, making it one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 2015.
• It performed especially well in overseas markets like the Middle East, USA, and UK due to SRK and Kajol’s global fan following.

Despite tough competition from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani, Dilwale managed to hold its ground commercially.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics.

Positive Points:

• Chemistry of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, which remained timeless.
• Chart-topping music, especially Gerua and Janam Janam.
• High production values and exotic visuals.
• Entertainment factor with comedy, action, and drama blended together.

Criticism:

• Some critics felt the screenplay was predictable.
• Comedy portions were considered overdone by a section of the audience.
• Lack of depth in the story compared to the iconic SRK-Kajol films of the past.

Overall, while critics were divided, the audience, especially SRK-Kajol fans, loved the film.

Audience Response

Fans celebrated Dilwale as the grand reunion of SRK and Kajol after five years (My Name Is Khan in 2010 being their last outing together).

• Gerua became the anthem of love in 2015.
• Younger audiences enjoyed Varun-Kriti’s pairing and the comedy track.
• Families appreciated the mix of romance, action, and comedy, making it a perfect festive release.

Impact and Legacy

Even though Dilwale faced stiff competition, it remains significant in Bollywood for several reasons:

1. SRK-Kajol Reunion – Their pairing alone was enough to generate massive buzz.
2. Music Success – The songs continue to be popular years later, with Gerua remaining iconic.
3. Varun and Kriti’s Growth – The film boosted their careers, giving them mainstream exposure.
4. Global Appeal – It reaffirmed Shah Rukh Khan’s status as a global superstar.

While Dilwale may not have matched the emotional depth of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, it succeeded as a commercial entertainer and remains a fan favorite for its visuals, music, and star power.

Conclusion

Dilwale (2015) is the definition of a Bollywood masala film – a perfect mix of romance, action, comedy, and music. Directed by Rohit Shetty and featuring the legendary chemistry of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, it delivered on its promise of entertainment.

With stunning visuals, unforgettable songs, and a heartwarming family story, Dilwale continues to be remembered as one of the major blockbusters of 2015. While critics may debate its screenplay, fans cherish it for reuniting Bollywood’s most iconic pair and giving them moments of magic on screen once again.