Swanand Kirkire on 'Yeh Prem Mol Liya': Why family cinema still matters
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Acclaimed lyricist, singer, and actor Swanand Kirkire has opened up about his upcoming role in Sooraj Barjatya's 'Yeh Prem Mol Liya', describing the film as a rare celebration of togetherness, values, and cross-generational emotion. The film, produced by Rajshri Productions, stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari in the lead roles and is slated for a theatrical release on 26 November.
Kirkire on the Power of Family Cinema
Reflecting on what drew him to the project, Kirkire pointed to the diminishing culture of shared cinematic experiences. "After Bandwaale, I found myself reflecting a lot on the kind of stories that truly stay with people," he said. "There's something very special about films that families can watch together — where different generations sit in the same room, laugh at the same moments, feel the same emotions, and walk away with something meaningful."
He added that such shared experiences are "becoming increasingly rare, but incredibly important" in today's media landscape, where audiences are increasingly fragmented across platforms and individual screens.
The Rajshri Legacy and Barjatya's Vision
Kirkire was emphatic about the significance of the film's creative lineage. "Films like Yeh Prem Mol Liya, especially coming from Rajshri Productions and under Sooraj Barjatya's direction, carry forward a legacy of storytelling that celebrates relationships, values, and emotional bonds," he said. "These are not just films. They become part of family memories."
This comes amid a broader conversation in Hindi cinema about the viability of wholesome, family-oriented narratives at the box office — a space Barjatya has long championed, from 'Maine Pyar Kiya' to 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' and 'Hum Saath-Saath Hain'. 'Yeh Prem Mol Liya' marks his return to feature filmmaking after 'Uunchai' in 2022.
What the Role Means for Kirkire
For Kirkire — best known for his National Award-winning lyrical work on films such as 'Taare Zameen Par' and 'Paa' — stepping in front of the camera in a Barjatya production carries a particular weight. "As an actor, being part of such a film is deeply fulfilling because you're contributing to something that goes beyond entertainment," he said.
He described working alongside Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari, and being guided by Barjatya's creative vision, as "a wonderful experience," adding: "There's a sincerity in the way this film is being made."
Kirkire's Broader Appeal for Collective Cinema
Kirkire framed his involvement in the film as part of a larger cultural argument. "In today's fast-paced, individualistic world, there's a strong need to bring back that culture of collective viewing, where cinema becomes a bridge between generations," he said. "There's a certain honesty and warmth in these stories that resonates across age groups — and that's something I truly believe in."
He concluded by calling the film "a reminder of the kind of cinema that unites us" — a sentiment that signals Rajshri Productions is banking on nostalgia and emotional authenticity to connect with multiplex audiences when the film arrives in cinemas on 26 November.