Hasee Toh Phasee

Karan Johar's Dharma Productions along with Phantom Films, which is run by four filmmakers - Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Vikas Bahl and Madhu Mantena, announced that they would make a romantic comedy together. The film marks director Vinil Mathew's debut.[7] The film was initially titled Hasta la vista Su Badam Pista. But it was later changed to Hasee Toh Phasee.[8]

Anurag Kashyap, been excited for the project said, "The story works with fresh faces, but requires a high level of chemistry and maturity in the performances. After spending months shortlisting various actors, we finalised Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra."[7]

Sidharth Malhotra was cast as the businessman Nikhil. Malhotra said tha Nikhil is not the "typical hero" but a shy, sweet and a committed guy.[9] Parineeti Chopra was cast as the quirky scientist Meeta. Chopra said that her character was a quite difficult one and added that Meeta, in a way, "broke the stereotype" of how a heroine should be or look on-screen.[10] The film marked their first project together. Adah Sharma was cast as Karishma, the second lead and Meeta's sister.[11]

Vinil Mathew stated that he wanted Chopra to have different hairstyles, to capture the seven-year period covered in the film. Mathew added that while Chopra was always on his "wish list", it was Johar who suggested Malhotra for the film.[8]

A portion of the film was shot at Marine Drive, Mumbai

On director Mathew, Malhotra said, "It didn't feel like the first day of shoot because he is so sorted and knows exactly what he wants. He made us rehearse a lot during a two-month workshop before shooting began".[12] The fact that Adah Sharma was involved in the cast was supposed to be kept a secret before official announcement. But, it was later revealed as Adah was seen shooting at the Bandra Bandstand Promenade.[13]

Filming began on 18 April 2013.[14] The film was shot in and out Mumbai including, places such as Lokhandwala and Marine Drive. Chopra was also injured, while shooting for the film.[15]

Hasee Toh Phasee received positive reviews from critics, with particular praises directed towards the lead cast performances, direction and story.[19]

Both Chopra and Malhotra received praises from the critics, especially for their chemistry

Meena Iyer of The Times of India gave it 3.5/5 stars, stating, "Hasee Toh Phasee is for the romantics who like their martinis stirred not shaken. This romantic comedy mirrors the quirks in human nature subtly and provides humour in everyday situations; in the family and amongst friends. If you're looking to rediscover the magic of goofy love around Valentines, give HTP a shot."[20] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave it 3.5/5 stars and said, "Hasee Toh Phasee dares to be distinctive. This one's *not* merely about opposites falling in love. This one's a quirky love tale involving two individuals, shades different from the mundane stuff on matters of heart".[21] Sukanya Verma of Rediff gave the movie with same ratings and wrote, "Hasee Toh Phasee is that rare film that allows you to know the two people you're investing in. And the closer you get, the more they win you over. Parineeti sinks her teeth into this misunderstood kook without a trace of self-consciousness or exaggeration. If that's not magical enough, what Hasee Toh Phasee celebrates certainly is. That the only high you need is life, love and smiles."[22]

Mohar Basu of Koimoi gave it 3/5 stars and wrote, "The film is both pleasantly surprising and utterly baffling in equal amounts. Hasee Toh Phasee will definitely win your heart for the symbiotically arranged, pitch perfect chemistry of Parineeti Chopra and Sidharth Malhotra. It was passionate and compelling, almost to make me wish that they were a real life couple and that alone becomes the winning shot."[23] A review from India Today rated it with 3/5 stars, stating, "Hasee Toh Phasee is a refreshing, much-needed entry in the contemporary romcom genre, which has lately seen a series of uninspiring films. It's largely to do with the presence of an unseen pairing with great chemistry - Parineeti Chopra and Sidharth Malhotra - and Mathew and writer Harshvardhan Kulkarni's perky take on love."[24]

Tushar Joshi of Daily News and Analysis gave the movie with 3/5 stars, writing, "The lead pair of Chopra and Malhotra make Hasee Toh Phasee enjoyable and believable.[25] This odd pairing works only because these two actors take an effort to play their characters with utmost sincerity. Watch it if you want to see a different take on modern day romance. Hasee Toh Phasee is worth a watch for a solid act put together by its lead pair.".[26]

According to Box Office India, Hasee Toh Phasee had a reasonable start in major metros in most parts of the country.[27] Hasee Toh Phasee grossed around ₹40 million (US$500,000) on its first day.[28] The movie showed a 35% growth on Saturday, earning about ₹55 million (US$690,000).[29] The weekend collections (according to Box Office India) were approximately ₹170 million (US$2.1 million),[30] while trade analyst Taran Adarsh claimed it to be ₹185 million (US$2.3 million).[31] The movie grossed a decent ₹275 million (US$3.4 million) in the first week.

In the second week, the movie's screen count fell due to the release of Yash Raj Films' Gunday. However, it still grossed a figure of ₹47.5 million (US$590,000), taking the 10-day total to ₹320 million (US$4.0 million).[32] Overseas, the opening weekend gross of film was approx $1.027 million (₹ 64.1 million).[33][34]