Nearly a decade after its original release, Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra’s 2014 hit ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’ is returning to theatres this week. The film, which has slowly earned cult status among rom-com lovers, still amazes its director Vinil Mathew with its enduring popularity.
Vinil Mathew reveals ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’ casting journey
Speaking to Variety India, Vinil Mathew revealed that the makers explored several casting options before finalizing the leads. Names like Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Imran Khan, and Vidya Balan were all in consideration before Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra were ultimately chosen to headline the film.
Vinil Mathew on how ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’ found its final cast
The filmmaker mentioned that every actor he reached out to responded with kindness and professionalism, adding that the script passed through many hands before the final casting was locked. He said, “But let me just say that we went from, I think in between, we had started with Ranbir and Priyanka. I also went to Imran and Vidya. And then finally Parineeti and Siddharth. So basically everybody.”
Vinil Mathew talks about Hasee Toh Phasee’s original reception
Mathew explained that those were just some of the major names considered, revealing that nearly every actor, including Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Emraan Hashmi, had been approached at some point. For one reason or another, things didn’t work out, and the roles finally went to Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra. He reflected that every film has its own destiny, when it’s meant to happen, it happens, and until then, the team simply keeps trying.Discussing the re-release of ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’, Vinil acknowledged that the team had initially anticipated a stronger and more immediate response during the film’s original run. While making the movie, they believed audiences would instantly connect with its fresh approach, as they were consciously experimenting within the genre, introducing new character dynamics, and attempting a subtle blend of styles. However, despite their expectations, that attention didn’t come right away, something the team had hoped for at the time.
Karan Johar’s advice helped Vinil Mathew see ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’s lasting success
Reflecting on the film’s gradual success, Mathew recalled the advice Karan Johar had given him. He said, “When it was released, we were thrilled with what we had made and were hoping we would get that love immediately. I remember Karan telling me after the release that each film has its own life. It grows, and after the release, the film takes its own course. At that time, it did not make much sense. But over the last decade or so, the film has grown tremendously. People are watching it on other platforms, on flights, and then they have all come back and praised it.”‘Hasee Toh Phasee’ re-releases in theatres on March 6, 2026.
