HIGHWAY

 

Highway (2014) Review – A Journey From Captivity to Freedom That Still Feels Personal After 12 Years

Intro: Highway is a 2014 Hindi road drama written and directed by Imtiaz Ali, starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda. The film follows the story of a young woman who, after being kidnapped, unexpectedly begins to discover a deeper sense of freedom. Known for its unconventional narrative and powerful music by A.R. Rahman, Highway remains one of Imtiaz Ali’s most discussed films. Now streaming on Prime Video, the film continues to divide opinion while holding a special place in modern Hindi cinema.

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Review (90 Words) - Watching Highway again after 12 years feels different. What once seemed unrealistic now feels layered and psychological. This isn’t just a road movie; it’s a journey of trauma, freedom, and healing. The landscapes mirror Veera’s inner transformation, and A.R. Rahman’s music adds emotional depth. The film doesn’t romanticize pain but presents it quietly and honestly. Alia Bhatt delivers a breakthrough performance, and Randeep Hooda adds intensity. It’s not perfect and may feel uneven at times, but it stays immersive and thought-provoking long after it ends.

Review (360 Words) - Rewatching Highway after 12 years feels like watching a completely different film. Earlier, it felt unrealistic — the idea that someone could feel freer in captivity seemed difficult to accept. But with time and personal evolution, the film now feels deeply psychological rather than dramatic.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, Highway begins as a kidnapping story but slowly transforms into an emotional journey. Veera’s captivity becomes a space where buried trauma surfaces. The film does not romanticize her pain. Instead, it gently explores how suppressed wounds seek release.

The landscapes play a crucial role. From crowded city roads to open highways and snow-covered mountains, every shift in terrain mirrors Veera’s internal expansion. As the physical space opens up, so does her sense of self. The film asks viewers to slow down and travel emotionally rather than chase plot twists.

Alia Bhatt delivers a breakthrough performance. Her vulnerability, especially during the confession scene, reframes the entire narrative. What seemed irrational earlier begins to make emotional sense. Randeep Hooda brings restraint to Mahabir, portraying him as wounded rather than purely dangerous.

A.R. Rahman’s score is not just background music — it is emotional scaffolding. “Patakha Guddi” bursts like a declaration of freedom, almost a manifesto of the wild feminine spirit refusing containment. The lyrics echo Veera’s journey from repression to release. It feels playful, rebellious, and spiritually untamed. In contrast, the quieter tracks carry the weight of silence — as if long-suppressed voices are finally finding resonance. The music doesn’t decorate scenes; it reframes them.

The film is not flawless. At times, the screenplay feels heavy and slightly incoherent. Some viewers may find the emotional transitions uneven. Yet despite its imperfections, Highway remains immersive.

It is not a conventional love story. It is about reclaiming agency. A flawed but powerful journey that grows with you — and perhaps reflects how you’ve grown too.

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